trials and tribulations

Various difficulties, hardships, or problems, especially those that test one's courage, endurance, or resolve. The many trials and tribulations of becoming a doctor both serve to educate future medical practitioners as well as weed out those who aren't willing to dedicate the time and effort. I hate going out with coworkers—all we end up doing is going over the various trials and tribulations of our job!

Cliché problems and tests of one's courage or perseverance. I suppose I have the normal trials and tribulations for a person of my background, but some days are just a little too much for me. I promise not to tell you of the trials and tribulations of my day if you promise not to tell me yours!

Tests of one's patience or endurance, as in She went through all the trials and tribulations of being admitted to law school only to find she couldn't afford to go . This redundant expression- trial and tribulation here both mean the same thing-is also used semi-humorously, as in Do you really want to hear about the trials and tribulations of my day at the office?

Troubles and afflictions. This cliché, from the late nineteenth century, is actually redundant, for trial here means “trouble” or “misfortune,” as, in effect, does tribulation. It is a case of repetition for emphasis, as well as alliteration, and today is used more lightly than in the past. For example, “Jane told me about the trials and tribulations of her trip—flight cancellations, lost baggage, and a horrid hotel.”