A rocky road Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹɑki/ /ˈɹoʊd

uh RAH-kee ROHD

UK

æɪ/ /ɹˈɒki/ /ɹˈəʊd

uh ROK-ee ROHD

Definition

An expression meaning a situation or journey that is very difficult and full of challenges or problems.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic phrase, mainly used to describe difficult periods in life, work, or relationships. It is informal and often appears as 'it's been a rocky road' or 'we have a rocky road ahead'. Not usually used for literal roads.

• Spanish: un camino difícil - un camino lleno de obstáculos
• Portuguese (BR): um caminho difícil - uma estrada cheia de obstáculos
• Portuguese (PT): um caminho difícil - uma estrada cheia de obstáculos
• Chinese (Simplified): 艰难的道路 - 充满困难的路程
• Chinese (Traditional): 艱難的道路 - 充滿困難的路程
• Hindi: एक कठिन रास्ता - समस्याओं भरा रास्ता
• Arabic: طريق صعب - طريق مليء بالعقبات
• Bengali: কঠিন পথ - চ্যালেঞ্জপূর্ণ পরিস্থিতি
• Russian: трудный путь - полоса испытаний
• Japanese: 困難な道 - 試練の連続
• Vietnamese: con đường gian nan - giai đoạn nhiều thử thách
• Korean: 험난한 길 - 고난의 시기
• Turkish: zorlu bir yol - sıkıntılı dönem
• Urdu: مشکل راستہ - دشوار مرحلہ
• Indonesian: jalan yang penuh rintangan - masa sulit

Example Sentences

It has been a rocky road since we started the project.

basic

She faced a rocky road on her way to success.

basic

Life can be a rocky road sometimes.

basic

We've had a rocky road, but things are finally getting better.

natural

Be prepared—starting a new business is often a rocky road.

natural

They know it's a rocky road ahead, but they're willing to try.

natural