trials and tribulations

: the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue

: the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : test

: a preliminary contest (as in a sport)

: of, relating to, or used in a trial

: made or done as a test or experiment

: used or tried out in a test or experiment

: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution