noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
troubled times; nation in turmoil; storm clouds gathering
A yojijukugo describing a period when the country or world is full of upheaval and unrest. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
In these troubled times, the shogun was forced to make a decision.
天下多事の様相を呈している。
The situation is taking on the appearance of a nation in turmoil.
内憂外患 refers to troubles both at home and abroad, while 天下多事 emphasizes the overall state of turmoil in the land.
多事多難 means 'eventful and full of difficulties', often used for personal or organizational hardships, whereas 天下多事 specifically refers to national or world-scale unrest.
A yojijukugo composed of 天下 (the world, the nation) and 多事 (many events, troubles). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows classical Chinese patterns for describing turbulent times.