A series of difficult circumstances.
save by the bell
To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interrupt…
saved by the bell
Rescued or favorably assisted by a timely interruption or by the sudde…
make matters worse
To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circum…
have a rough time of it
To have many problems; to have a difficult time.
rough sledding
A difficult period of time.
rough patch
A difficult or embattling period of one's life.