have a tough time (of it)

have a tough time (of it)

To have a challenging period during which one struggles to do or cope with something. John had a tough time of it after losing both his job and his wife during the same year. I had a tough time repairing the engine because it was so rusty, but I eventually got it running again.
See also: have, time, tough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • have a rough time
  • have a rough time (of it)
  • rough time
  • a rough time
  • as much as (one) could do (not) (to do something)
  • as much as somebody can/could do to do something
  • bear (one's) cross
  • bear cross
  • be up a/the creek (without a paddle)
  • be up the creek without a paddle