go through a sticky patch

go through a sticky patch

To experience or be in the midst of a period of trouble, difficulty, or hardship. Her business has been going through a bit of a sticky patch lately. If things don't pick up soon, she might have to close shop. Our marriage went through a sticky patch after Frank lost his job, but now our relationship is stronger than ever.See also: go, patch, sticky, through

go through, hit, etc. a ˈbad/ˈsticky patch

come to a difficult time in your business, marriage, etc: We’ve struck a bad patch in our marriage. ♢ High inflation meant that her business went through a sticky patch.See also: bad, go, patch, sticky