British & Australian to experience a difficult period, often because you do not have enough money.
Rob lost his job last year and they've been having a thin time of it.
have a thin time (of it)
To experience challenges, usually due to a lack of money. We had such a thin time of it last year that we could barely afford to buy groceries. Thank goodness I've finally found a job.
have a thin time
have a wretched or uncomfortable time. British informal
have a thin ˈtime (of it)
(British English, informal) be in an unsuccessful period in your business: Small businesses are having a thin time of it at the moment, and many are closing down.