The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SETBACKS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
E
T
B
A
C
K
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "difficulties" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case difficulties = setbacks.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SETBACKS mean?
SETBACKS noun- An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)
- The required distance between a structure and a road.
- A step-like recession in a wall.
- An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
- (possibly obsolete) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
- A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.