obstacle course

noun — 2 senses

noun

A course with a series of physical challenges (running, climbing, swimming, etc.) to be performed sequentially.

Figuratively A painful and strenuous experience; hassle.

A Cuban who wants to marry a foreigner must traverse a bureaucratic obstacle course designed to discourage such liaisons.1983 April 16, John Kyper, “Cuba: A Little Sex, No Drugs, and Lotsa Rock 'n Roll”, in Gay Community News, page 9:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.