getting a rough ride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting a rough ride" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing difficulties or challenges, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The new policy implementation is getting a rough ride from the employees, who are struggling to adapt to the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a phone-in and he seems to be getting a rough ride.

The Guardian

One diplomat who met Kayani recently said he was "angrier and more upset than I've every seen him before, because he's getting a rough ride inside the military".

The Guardian

Perhaps the critics need a visit from the ghost of Christmas criticism: there is very little real joy in their hearts when it comes to Robert Zemeckis's latest 3D motion capture spectacular, a retelling of Charles Dickens's tale of an old miser who comes to remember the joy of the festive season after getting a rough ride at the hands of a trio of spectral tutors.

The Guardian - Film

Its results for the lastest financial year were solid, but French financial-services conglomerate Fimalac is getting a rough ride from investors, thanks to an uncertain outlook for its Fitch ratings subsidiary.

Forbes

1502: As feared/predicted, Blackpool winger Thomas Ince is getting a rough ride from the Hammers fans, just like his dad Paul did every time he played the Hammers - because he posed in a Manchester United shirt before he had left the club in 1988.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, she could get a rough ride from Republicans at her confirmation hearing in the Senate.

The Economist

Allen said Elton had told him before it was broadcast that it was going to get a rough ride "because I always get a rough ride".

The Guardian

"Every Democrat president gets a rough ride in the mid-terms.

The Guardian - Books

As an Obama appointee to China, however, he is sure to get a rough ride from conservative activists.

The Economist

Rowan Williams often gets a rough ride in the press and is certainly not universally understood in the parish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Noah Scialom, a freelance photographer (Scialom shot for the Baltimore City Paper, where this reporter worked), says he got a rough ride in 2013.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "getting a rough ride", consider the audience and context. While widely understood, it's best suited for informal to neutral communication. For formal or academic writing, consider using more direct language.

Common error

Avoid using "getting a rough ride" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant level of difficulty or opposition, so reserve it for situations where the challenges are substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting a rough ride" functions as an idiomatic expression, used as a verb phrase to describe the act of encountering significant difficulties or harsh treatment. As Ludwig explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting a rough ride" is an idiomatic expression used to describe experiencing difficulties, criticism, or opposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English. While it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, it's important to consider your audience and opt for more formal alternatives like "experiencing difficulties" in academic or professional writing. Remember to reserve this phrase for substantial challenges, avoiding its use for minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing difficulties

Focuses on the challenges being faced, without specifying the intensity.

facing a hard time

Emphasizes the difficulty of the period someone is going through.

having a difficult experience

Highlights the unpleasant nature of the experience.

encountering problems

Focuses on specific issues that are arising.

undergoing trials and tribulations

A more formal and intense way of describing a difficult period.

being treated harshly

Highlights unfair or severe treatment.

receiving criticism

Focuses on negative feedback being received.

enduring hardship

Implies a sustained period of suffering or difficulty.

facing adversity

Highlights the opposition and challenges being confronted.

meeting resistance

Emphasizes the opposition encountered when trying to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I use "getting a rough ride" in a sentence?

You can use "getting a rough ride" to describe someone facing challenges or criticism, as in, "The new policy is "getting a rough ride" from employees."

What does "getting a rough ride" mean?

The phrase "getting a rough ride" means experiencing difficulties, opposition, or criticism. It implies a challenging and unpleasant situation.

Which is more formal, "getting a rough ride" or "experiencing difficulties"?

"Experiencing difficulties" is more formal. "Getting a rough ride" is suitable for informal to neutral contexts, while "experiencing difficulties" is appropriate for more formal settings.

What are some alternatives to "getting a rough ride"?

Alternatives include "facing a hard time", "experiencing difficulties", or "meeting resistance", depending on the specific context you want to convey.