Learning English Conversations The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch
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Feb 24, 2026 Short lesson on the phrase 'go through a rough patch' and when to use it. Discussion uses a road metaphor to show the phrase is temporary. Examples span work, relationships and sports teams. Listeners share real-life scenarios and alternative expressions like 'sticky patch' are suggested.
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Rough Patch Means Temporary Difficulty
- "Go through a rough patch" describes a temporary difficult period using the road metaphor of hitting a bumpy section.
- Feifei and Phil explain the word 'rough' (opposite of smooth) and 'patch' (a section), emphasising it's usually temporary.
Use The Phrase For Temporary Problems
- Use 'go through a rough patch' to talk about temporary problems in relationships, work, or sports.
- Phil and Feifei give examples: relationship fallout, job struggles after quitting, or a football team losing games.
Friendship Disagreement Repaired After Rough Patch
- A personal example: two best friends had a big disagreement and spoke little during a rough patch before making up.
- The specific outcome highlighted is reconciliation — they made up and now everything's fine.