trials and tribulations

Idioms  

1. 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?

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Example Sentences

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trials and tribulations

Funny and authentic, she captured the trials and tribulations of life in a way that was always relatable, even when her stage outfits and her hairstyle remained larger than life.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Kirkpatrick was one of seven children left behind, forced to navigate life’s trials and tribulations without his mom and dad.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

A four-part documentary offers a look behind the curtain of the infamous Nevada festival Burning Man, examining its trials and tribulations over five years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

"I think people understand and realize that the Jackson family is no different than any family. We go through our trials and tribulations, ups and downs, but we learn to agree to disagree," he said.

From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026

After the trials and tribulations of Summerland, I know my life’s path: Stop the Survivalists and all those like them.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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