hit a sticky patch

hit a sticky patch

To experience or be in the midst of a period of trouble, difficulty, or hardship. Her business has hit a bit of a sticky patch lately. If things don't pick up soon, she might have to close shop. Our marriage hit a sticky patch after Frank lost his job, but now our relationship is stronger than ever.
See also: hit, patch, sticky
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go through, hit, etc. a ˈbad/ˈsticky patch

come to a difficult time in your business, marriage, etc: We’ve struck a bad patch in our marriage. High inflation meant that her business went through a sticky patch.
See also: bad, go, patch, sticky
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hit a bad patch
  • go through a sticky patch
  • have a rough patch
  • go through, hit, etc. a bad/sticky patch
  • go through a bad patch
  • go through a rough patch
  • a rough patch
  • be in a sticky situation
  • be (batting) on a sticky wicket
  • meet a sticky end
References in periodicals archive
Whenever Leeds hit a sticky patch, McDermott remains cool, calm and collected, and the Rhinos turn it around - including three years ago when they went from a side faced with the prospect of collecting the wooden spoon to going on to lift the Super League trophy at Old Trafford!
Nock boss McCluckie said: "We had hit a sticky patch lately and it was vital to get back to winning ways.
On hand to help were operations manager Amy Dixon and trainee Kitt Gotto just in case the minister hit a sticky patch.
"We didn't play well at all and have hit a sticky patch right at the wrong time.
"While we all know we will hit a sticky patch at some stage, we'll try and keep this unbeaten run going for as long as possible."
The Under-12s hit a sticky patch, losing two in a row, both to Cali Girls, the first by 4-0 with Gabs the girl of the match, and then losing 2-1 with Gabs scoring and Tasha Jones earning the girl-of-the-match award for her sterling work in defence.
If you were raised by the state, what happens if you hit a sticky patch at 19 or 23?
The three-time former world champion has hit a sticky patch in his career, losing first-round matches at the UK and Ladbrokes Mobile Masters and is ninth in the world rankings.
Bolton have hit a sticky patch just as the teams around them have started to find form.
Stung by this reverse, Mark Connolly reduced the deficit 10 minutes after the break, but the Lilywhites, who have hit a sticky patch of late, failed to build and have it all to do in next week's second leg.
He's now married but got in touch again recently because his marriage hit a sticky patch. We started seeing each other regularly until his wife found out.
PEDESTRIANS are now less likely to hit a sticky patch as they walk on Huddersfield's pavements.
Play-off chasing Lincoln are without a win in five games, and Mayo added: "We've hit a sticky patch and we need to put things right.
My first selection is in the East Premier League where I'm taking title favourites Sauchie at 1-1 to get a victory away to Oakley who have hit a sticky patch while Sauchie have climbed the table.