Definition: An oppressive burden or heavy responsibility. Used figuratively, this expression signifies a weighty load, typically of concern, worry, or duty.
Related Terms:
- Dead weight: Something unwieldy and burdensome, usually referring to a person or task that drags progress.
- Albatross around one’s neck: A constant and inescapable burden or responsibility.
- Heavy load: Similar meaning, signifying a difficult or exhausting task or responsibility.
- Weight of the world: Feeling like you have immense responsibilities or worries on your shoulders.
Expressions and Idioms:
- “Bearing a cross”: Holding onto a burdensome duty or consequence.
- “Carrying a torch”: Often refers to maintaining a burdened sense of unrequited love or passion.
- “Hefty price to pay”: Implies a significant burden carried in response to actions or decisions.
- “Hard row to hoe”: A task or responsibility considered particularly difficult.
Synonyms:
- Encumbrance
- Yoke
- Burden
- Load
- Onus
Antonyms:
- Boon
- Relief
- Blessing
- Liberty
- Lightness
Humor and Wit:
- “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary, which ironically bears no burden at all.” – Anon
- “Sure, carry the weight of the world. Just remember to ask for a receipt.” – W.T. Wittywords
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
- “No pressure, no diamonds.” – Thomas Carlyle
Suggested Literature and Entertainment: Books:
- “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand
- “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien
Movies:
- “The Pursuit of Happyness”
- “Forrest Gump”
Songs:
- “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies
- “Weight of the World” by Evanescence
Poetry:
- “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot
- “A Burden” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
### Which expression indicates an inescapable burden?
- [ ] Pushing daisies
- [x] Albatross around one's neck
- [ ] Out of sight, out of mind
- [ ] Ace in the hole
> **Explanation:** "Albatross around one's neck" signifies an inescapable burden, derived from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
### Identify the figurative term for huge responsibilities:
- [ ] Happy-go-lucky
- [ ] Breathing fire
- [x] Weight of the world
- [ ] Laughing stock
> **Explanation:** "Weight of the world" symbolizes feeling overwhelmed by numerous burdens or responsibilities.
### True or False: "Bearing a cross" signifies a light-hearted duty
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Bearing a cross" refers to holding a burdensome, often strenuous responsibility or consequence.
Remember, the next time you feel like you’re carrying a millstone, there may be others ready to help lift it! As Jonathan Carroll aptly said, “Sometimes sharing a man’s burden is easier than letting him carry it.” Farewell to future lightness and always endeavor to choose wisely where to place your loads.
✍️ Elle O’Quent Adventures, 2023
