tribulation

sing in tribulation

To succumb to torture and confess one's misdeeds. I know he stole chickens from my farm, and he'll tell you all about it, once he's singing in tribulation!

See also: sing, tribulation

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 necessary time and effort. I hate going out with coworkers. All we end up doing is complaining about the various trials and tribulations we have to deal with in the office.

See also: and, trial, tribulation

trials and tribulations of (something)

The various difficulties, hardships, or problems that accompany some particular activity, pursuit, or profession, 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 socially with coworkers. All we end up doing is going over the various trials and tribulations of our job!

See also: and, of, trial, tribulation

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

trials and tribulations

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!

See also: and, trial, tribulation

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

trials and tribulations

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?

See also: and, trial, tribulation

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ˌtrials and tribuˈlations

difficulties and troubles: The novel is about the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

See also: and, trial, tribulation

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

trials and tribulations

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.”

See also: and, trial, tribulation

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer