A ditch or similar earthwork. Commonly used in the military for protection against artillery, gunfire, and/or bombs. Used heavily during the First World War.
In the modern setting, trenches are also slang for poor, crime-ridden neighborhoods and cities, often slums or what some would call "The Hood".
"These trenches are full of shit, trench-rats, and death. But I'd rather be here than in No Man's Land!" - Private John Johnson to Private Ben Benson.
"This trench better be dug before Friday, or else the project'll grind to a halt!" -Blue collar Jeff to his insubordinate, useless as fuck, bitch-ass employees.
"Bro, you heard what happend uptown? Someone got killed in a drive-by. Damn, we in the trenches, man!" - Tyson to his friend from downtown.
A rough upbringing, hardships or tough environments also referred to as the “hood”. Sometimes people will use the phrase “out the trenches” to show they’ve overcome these hardships
When you are having a good timein the trenches in WW 1; When you are chilling with your bools in general; when you are in the trenches and you are cleaning your feet to keep clean.
Lil Durk's verse in Drake's hit single "Laugh Now Cry Later". A popular phrase used by some. It means, despite gaining a lot of fame and wealth, Durk is still in the hood. Lil Durk has not forgotten where he came from.
Malachi: The boy, Jacob, catted. The boy think he all that, now he don't wanna beassociated with us.
Jacob: I'm in the trenches, relax.