❝An extremely heavy burden undertaken so as to move it in one trip rather than making several trips. Always referring to moving something physically, this cliché dates from the turn of the twentieth century and may be dying out.❞
Similar Terms and Related Expressions
Idioms and Common Phrases:
- “Bite off more than you can chew”: To take on a task that is way too big.
- “Carrying the weight of the world on one’s shoulders”: To bear a significant burden or responsibility.
- “Go the whole nine yards”: Completing something fully or going to the maximum extent.
- “Load up”: To pack or fill with heavy or numerous items.
Proverbs:
- “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”: Don’t try to do it all at once, start small.
- “Many hands make light work”: Sharing tasks can ease the burden.
Synonyms:
- Heavy burden
- Herculean task
- Power lift
- Load-bearing
Antonyms:
- Easy task
- Light load
- Featherweight
- Simple errand
Humorous Quotes:
- “My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.” —Erma Bombeck
- “I’m not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” —Chandler Bing (Friends)
Literary References:
- “The Odyssey” by Homer: The epic journey of Odysseus is a metaphorical ‘one-trip’ burden of trials and tribulations.
- “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway: The burdens of war and love carried by the protagonist, Frederick Henry.
Movie References:
- “Rocky” (1976): Rocky Balboa undertakes the “one-trip” bout of his life.
- “The Shawshank Redemption”: Andy Dufresne’s master plan to escape prison, a metaphorical single yet enormous trip.
Song References:
- “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies: Carrying someone important despite the heaviness.
- “Carry That Weight” by The Beatles: A song about bearing burdens that cannot be ignored or deferred.
Inspirational Farewell:
“Remember, life’s heaviest tasks often feel more bearable when shared, whether with a friend, a song, or just a good bit of humor. So, next time, maybe consider making a few trips instead!” 🚶♀️🚶♂️
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [ ] Carrying a gorilla up the stairs
- [x] Bite off more than you can chew
- [ ] Lifting like a light breeze
- [ ] Tagging all the boxes at once
> **Explanation:** "Bite off more than you can chew" is a genuine idiom meaning to take on more than one can handle. The others? Well, amusing but quite fabricated!
### Which phrase represents a classic proverb?
- [ ] Once bitten, never wrestling gorillas again
- [ ] Stroll carrying Hunka Munka
- [x] Many hands make light work
- [ ] One elephant at time, matey
> **Explanation:** "Many hands make light work" is a classic proverb about the ease of a shared task whereas the others sound more like fanciful ideas of sharing.
### True or False: 'Carrying the weight of the world on one's shoulders' means to bear a great burden.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom describes someone who feels overwhelmed by a great responsibility or burden. Almost like trying to make everything in one trip!
