the trenches
plural noun
: a place or situation in which people do very difficult work
These people are working every day down in the trenches to improve the lives of refugees.
Examples of the trenches in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Melissa Cordero of Bristol has been homeschooling for about 15 years and has worked in the trenches of the system.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
More playing time for the youth movement Cam Jackson, a 2025 fifth-round pick, should also factor into the math in the trenches.
—Mike Kaye
updated March 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
Washington Commanders The Commanders were busy on day one of free agency, highlighted by their work to strengthen the trenches.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
The team needs to restock in the trenches as Buckner and fellow veteran tackle Grover Stewart get older.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the trenches
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Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
More playing time for the youth movement Cam Jackson, a 2025 fifth-round pick, should also factor into the math in the trenches.
—Mike Kaye
updated March 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
Washington Commanders The Commanders were busy on day one of free agency, highlighted by their work to strengthen the trenches.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
The team needs to restock in the trenches as Buckner and fellow veteran tackle Grover Stewart get older.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the trenches
Cite this Entry
“The trenches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20trenches. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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