Go through a rough patch
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-12-05

The idiom "go through a rough patch" is used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship in someone's life. It implies that the person is going through a challenging time and is facing various problems or obstacles. This idiom is often used to describe temporary difficulties rather than long-term or permanent ones.
Here are a few examples to help you understand the usage of this idiom:
1. Example: After losing his job, John went through a rough patch. He struggled to find another job and had to cut down on his expenses.
   Explanation: In this example, John experienced a period of difficulty after losing his job. He faced challenges in finding a new job and had to make adjustments to his lifestyle due to financial constraints.
2. Example: Sarah and Mark's relationship has been going through a rough patch lately. They have been arguing a lot and finding it hard to communicate.
   Explanation: In this example, Sarah and Mark are experiencing a difficult phase in their relationship. They are facing conflicts and struggling to maintain effective communication.
3. Example: The company went through a rough patch when their main competitor launched a cheaper alternative. They had to come up with new strategies to regain their market share.
   Explanation: In this example, the company faced a period of difficulty when their competitor introduced a more affordable product. They had to adapt and develop new strategies to compete and regain their position in the market.
4. Example: After the accident, Tom went through a rough patch. He had to undergo surgery and rehabilitation before he could resume his normal activities.
   Explanation: In this example, Tom experienced a difficult period following an accident. He had to undergo medical procedures and rehabilitation to recover and get back to his regular routine.
Overall, the idiom "go through a rough patch" is used to describe temporary difficulties or hardships that someone may encounter in their life. It emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation and implies that it is not a permanent state.