vale of tears

noun2

1. •
   (literary) The world, a place where difficulties and the sorrows of life are felt, especially (Christianity) as a place to be left behind when one dies and goes to heaven.

   • While we sojourn in this vale of Tears and Sorrow, we are detain'd from the bless'd Sight and Enjoyment of God; and kept from the Happiness of just Men made perfect. — 1708
2. •
   (literary) A particular place of sorrow or suffering.

   • That, in this pilgrimage of seventy years, / O'er rocks of perils, and through vales of tears, / Destin'd to march, our doubtful steps we tend, / Tir'd with the toil, yet fearful of its end: [...] — 1722