carry the weight of the world on your shoulders
carry the weight of the world on (one's) shoulders
To be struggling with an immense or particularly worrisome burden or responsibility. Have you seen Mike lately? It looks like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. You need to learn to ask for help when things become overwhelming instead of trying to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders all the time. Now that Julie's running a whole department, she always seems to be carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
carry the weight of the world on your shoulders
If you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, you suffer because you feel you have too many problems or responsibilities. He was only 18 but he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. You look as if you're carrying the weight of the world on those lovely shoulders. Note: Other verbs, such as have are sometimes used instead of carry. His body language suggests he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Note: You can also say that someone looks as if the weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders, when they suddenly stop looking worried and look happy. I told him the good news and he looked as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Note: This expression may be a reference to Atlas, a giant in Greek mythology, who was punished by Zeus by being made to carry the heavens on his shoulders, and who is often portrayed with the world on his back.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
- carry the weight of the world on (one's) shoulders
- carry the weight of the world on shoulders
- have the weight of the world on (one's) shoulders
- the weight of the world
- have the cares of the world on (one's) shoulders
- under the yoke
- under the yolk
- yolk
- as of late
- be more than a match for (someone or something)