"Trying times" is an idiom that describes difficult circumstances or hardships someone faces. It can refer to times of trouble, struggle, or unhappiness. In addition, the phrase expresses sympathy, empathy, or encouragement for someone dealing with life challenges.
In short:
- "Trying times" means difficult or hard times.
- It is often used to show support or compassion for someone facing challenges.
"Trying" in this expression means "causing strain, hardship, or distress." It comes from the verb "try," which can mean "to test the quality, value, or usefulness of something" or "to make an effort or attempt to do something." Therefore, "trying times" test someone's strength, patience, or endurance.
Some variations and related expressions have a similar meaning to trying times.
For example:
These expressions can be used interchangeably in most contexts, but they may have slightly different connotations depending on the situation.
Some other expressions that are similar but not the same as trying times are:
These expressions are more formal and less common than "trying times." They may also suggest a more complicated or specific situation than "trying times."
The origin and history of the expression trying times is not very clear. However, some sources suggest that it may have originated in the 18th century when the word "trying" started to be used as an adjective meaning "difficult" or "annoying."
“We have now reached the crisis which I have long foreseen; I mean their [the British] resolution to cut off all communication between these States and Great Britain, and we must either submit to the heavy hand of tyranny and arbitrary power or rise superior to the most "trying time" that ever men were called to contend in.”
-From the letter written by George Washington in 1776, during the American Revolution.
Here are some examples of how to use "trying times" in various sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:
The expression "trying times" has also been used in various forms of popular culture, such as songs, movies, books, and TV shows.
Here are some examples:
If you want to avoid repeating the same expression repeatedly, you can use some other or different ways to say "trying times."
Here are some synonyms or alternatives that you can use:
Here are some common questions that people may have about the expression "trying times" and their answers:
Some sources suggest that it may have originated in the 18th century when the word "trying" started to be used as an adjective meaning "difficult" or "annoying."
Some other words for "trying times" are difficult times, challenging times, hardship, adversity, trouble, struggle, misfortune, calamity, crisis, or ordeal.
The opposite of "trying times" is easy, good, happy, prosperous, peaceful, or fortunate times.
You can use "trying times" in a sentence to describe complex or challenging situations someone has faced.
Example: He had been through many "trying times," but he made it through. He got over it without regrets.
"Trying times" and hard times have a similar meaning, but hard times may imply more financial problems, while "trying times" may imply more emotional issues.
You can show sympathy for someone going through "trying times" by listening to them, expressing your concern and care, offering your help or support, or saying something positive or encouraging.
There is no one right way to cope with "trying times." Still, some possible strategies are: seeking professional help if needed, talking to someone you trust, practicing self-care and relaxation techniques, focusing on the present and the positive aspects of your life, setting realistic goals and taking small steps to achieve them, seeking social support from friends or family, finding meaning or purpose in your situation, or learning from your experience and growing from it.
Some historical "trying times" examples are wars, famines, plagues, natural disasters, revolutions, depressions, genocides, terrorist attacks, and political crises.
"Trying times" is not a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that creatively compares two things that are not alike. "Trying times" is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase with a symbolic meaning different from its literal meaning.
To use “trying times” in a comparative or superlative sentence, you need to add the word “more” or “most” before the expression.
Example: These are the most "trying times" we have ever faced.
"Trying times" is an idiom that means someone is facing or has faced complex or challenging times. We often use it to show care and empathy or encourage them in their challenges.
In summary:
We hope this article has helped you understand this common idiom's meaning, origin, and usage. Remember that "trying times" are not permanent and that they can make us stronger and wiser.