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Region: General | Usage example: Junior staff bore the brunt of the layoffs.

Bear the brunt

Meaning

Take the hardest hit.

Usage

Used when describing who suffers most.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Brunt meaning main force.

Used in battle reports dating back centuries.