Get through difficult state of affairs (4)
I believe the answer is:
pass
This clue is a double definition.
'get through' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'difficult state of affairs' is the second definition.
(pass can mean an undesirable outcome or situation)
(Other definitions for pass that I've seen before include "sticky situation if one is pretty" , "acceptable exam result" , "Progress" , "Overtake; mountain way" , "Amatory advance" .)