To have many problems; to have a difficult time.
rough sledding
A difficult period of time.
as often as not
More or less half of the time; on many occasions but not always; frequ…
kick someone when they are down
To make things worse for someone who is going through a difficult time…
chase one's tail
To busily try to perform many tasks or to repeatedly revise one's plan…
for once
For the first time, after many instances to the contrary; in a rare ex…
have a time of it
To undergo a painful or difficult experience.