Buckle under pressure

Meaning

Succumb to stress or demands.

Usage

Used when someone can't handle expectations.

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.

The idea of a material bending when stressed beyond capacity.

Engineering metaphors appear in psychology texts in the 20th century.