the rocky road to

rocky road (to something)

The difficult, troubled, or uneven journey or development (to some status, position, or result). In the interview, she discusses her childhood, her inspirations, and the rocky road to presidency. The film's rocky road leading to its release has been the subject of much speculation and concern from fans.
See also: road, rocky
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the rocky road to —

a difficult progression to something.
2001 Star So far A1 haven't put a foot wrong on the rocky road to superstardom.
See also: road, rocky
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rocky
  • rocky road
  • rocky road (to something)
  • childhood
  • childhood friend
  • bump along
  • awkward age
  • plow up
  • plow up (something)
  • given half a/the chance
References in periodicals archive
Liverpool v West Ham Anfield, tomorrow, 1.30pm BY DAVID MADDOCK JURGEN KLOPP claims Liverpool can take the Rocky road to success.
Entrepreneur and budding baker Faten Amin is on the Rocky Road to success with a chocolate-inspired recipe that has created a huge culinary snack stir across the island.
JEFF HENDRICK says Ireland are willing to take the rocky road to Russia.
We coconut possibly ignore this matter another second; we will take the rocky road to the nearest stand and we will espresso our support for this cause.
The 'Swept Away' director had belted out a rendition of Celtic anthem The Rocky Road To Dublin, before Timberlake joined in, the Daily Express reports.
The pair could prove a match made in heaven for manager Steve Staunton on the rocky road to qualification for Euro 2008.
Recording radio waves from the region around a young star, astronomers have for the first time documented a key step in the rocky road to planethood: making pebbles.
Now Shane McGowan and The Aftermath, above, have teamed up with their own version of the Rocky Road to keep spirits high.
We were brought up on Luke Kelly's version of 'The Rocky Road to Dublin' and we thought it would be a good idea considering 'Put Em Under Pressure' would be one of our favourite football songs".
The Rocky Road to Dublin was shown only once in one Dublin cinema before it was banned.
The Rocky Road To Poland was written by the listeners of Today FM's Ray D'Arcy Show and it's hoped it will help inspire the lads at this summer's tournament.
The FAI chief called in to the Today FM studios and said he was overwhelmed by the The Rocky Road To Poland, which was written by Ray D'Arcy Show listeners.
T'was in the merry month of June, from our home we started, Left old Eireann's Isle, to Poland we departed, Hope within our hearts, we can win the trophy, We are all a part of Trapattoni's army, Get behind the team, hear the Irish scream, C'mon you boys in green, Ireland's bouncing back again, We have got our Trap, the cat is in the sack, We'll not forget you Jack, On the rocky road to Poland.
THEY hiked up Kilimanjaro for charity, but Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh are finding the rocky road to recovery even harder.