tough going

For with Norris at the far end of the ridge, there would be several hours of tough going, he surmised.

It was tough going, but it had its good side—there were not many people abroad.

Getting you back here, without Huth spotting the old heli I picked up once at a deserted settlers' camp was real tough going.

Doc thinks he may pull through but its going to be tough going.

It was tough going over the rocks, but they were soon out of the wash, and the footing was a little better.