COMMON If someone has a rough ride or a bumpy ride, they experience a lot of problems or opposition when they are trying to do something. The Prime Minister is likely to face a rough ride in parliament today from the opposition. The proposed changes are not popular with all of the board and the chief executive's bumpy ride is far from over. Note: You can say that someone has an easy ride, meaning that they do not experience many problems or much opposition. You don't come into politics expecting an easy ride.