hard sledding

hard sledding

A difficult, turbulent, or troublesome period of time. This administration has gone through some hard sledding over the last year, but the president is determined to regain the trust and support of the American people. Even some of the wealthier areas of the country must brace for hard sledding as fresh austerity measures come into effect. The book is notoriously hard sledding, but if you're able to stick with it, it is a rewarding experience.
See also: hard, sledding

hard sledding

 and tough sledding
Fig. a very difficult time. They had some hard sledding when they were first married. It was tough sledding for sure when our crops failed that year.
See also: hard, sledding
References in periodicals archive ?
That would be hard sledding for all the AB shareholders who were slavering at the InBev largesse, but A-B shares would remain a solid long-term play, and probably more resilient to the coming recession than many stocks on the big board.
Can InBev really close this deal on-time (and on the stated terms?)
Ahead looms what seems like 10 months of winter followed by two more months of hard sledding.
From under a blazing aspen: coping with the bleakness of winter and the soul
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