The phrase ‘bane of my existence’ is used to describe something or someone that causes constant trouble, frustration, or misery in one’s life. It refers to a source of ongoing annoyance or suffering that seems inescapable.
For example, if someone says, ‘Traffic is the bane of my existence,’ they mean that dealing with traffic is a major and persistent source of stress or frustration for them.
The word ‘bane’ itself comes from Old English and originally meant ‘poison’ or ‘destroyer.’ Over time, it evolved to signify something that ruins or spoils a situation. When combined with ‘existence,’ it emphasizes the deep and pervasive impact of the problem on one’s life.