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
Caldwell emerged as a quality lineman in his rookie season, but there remain questions about the Chargers’ defensive front as Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh continue their quest to establish supremacy in the trenches with a physical style of play that makes the team tough to play against.
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Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The sad thing is the Dolphins, in a wise effort to build the trenches during the past two years, have used lots of draft capital (left tackle Patrick Paul was a 2024 second-round pick and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2025 second-round pick) in that area.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the Gators struggled mightily in the trenches during Billy Napier’s four-year tenure, posting three losing seasons marked by inconsistency and undisciplined play up front.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The Seahawks aren’t a great rushing team, and the Patriots have been dominant in the trenches, particularly when Milton Williams is on the field.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the trenches
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Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The sad thing is the Dolphins, in a wise effort to build the trenches during the past two years, have used lots of draft capital (left tackle Patrick Paul was a 2024 second-round pick and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2025 second-round pick) in that area.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the Gators struggled mightily in the trenches during Billy Napier’s four-year tenure, posting three losing seasons marked by inconsistency and undisciplined play up front.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The Seahawks aren’t a great rushing team, and the Patriots have been dominant in the trenches, particularly when Milton Williams is on the field.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 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 Feb. 2026.
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