The phrase "difficult circumstances" refers to a situation or condition that is challenging, problematic, and often stressful. It can imply hardship, adversity, trouble, or difficulty in various aspects such as financial, emotional, physical, social, or environmental. The term encompasses situations where things are not going smoothly, problems arise, obstacles appear insurmountable, resources are scarce, and solutions seem elusive. In essence, it describes a state of affairs that is difficult to navigate through, requiring resilience, determination, creativity, and sometimes even luck or outside help to overcome.