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
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With a ragtag defensive line dealing with its own notable season-ending injury — 2023 Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown — the trenches tended to be as leaky as a spaghetti strainer.
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Mike Kaye
july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
In the trenches of leadership, success isn’t decided by ambition alone.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Their story is told with dream-like interweaving of scenes from their budding relationship in rural Canada, Charlie’s time in the trenches of France and Mary's present anticipation of her upcoming wedding.
—The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
The commitment continues a strong early recruiting run for Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff, who have emphasized building in the trenches.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
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Mike Kaye
july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
In the trenches of leadership, success isn’t decided by ambition alone.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Their story is told with dream-like interweaving of scenes from their budding relationship in rural Canada, Charlie’s time in the trenches of France and Mary's present anticipation of her upcoming wedding.
—The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
The commitment continues a strong early recruiting run for Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff, who have emphasized building in the trenches.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
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 15 Jul. 2025.
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