What is wrong with the term rough patch/patches in this context?

[Fiber]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #373 "English Slang Idioms (94)", question 5

"My wife and I have hit rough .......... lately. We've received lots of unexpected bills and both of us have had deaths in the family," John told Brian.

(a) paper
(b) patches
(c) weather
(d) turbulence

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #373 "English Slang Idioms (94)", answer 5

"My wife and I have hit rough weather. lately. We've received lots of unexpected bills and both of us have had deaths in the family," John told Brian.

Correct answer: (c) weather

Your answer was: incorrect
"My wife and I have hit rough patches. lately. We've received lots of unexpected bills and both of us have had deaths in the family," John told Brian.
_________________________

What is wrong with the term rough patch/patches in this context?

Fiber

[Benjamin]

Hi Fiber,

there is nothing wrong with the term. The phrase/expression is correct and can be used in this context but is not the right answer here.

Because the correct phrase is "...have hit a rough patch..."
you cannot hit plural patches.

So because the questions does not have "a" in it then this cannot be the right answer IN THIS CASE
if the question had been "My wife and I have hit a rough .......... lately" then the correct answer would have been "patch".