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Region: General | Usage example: The director shouldered the burden of explaining the glitch.

Shoulder the burden

Meaning

Take on heavy responsibilities.

Usage

Used when describing leadership sacrifices.

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.

Shoulders bear loads, so burdens are carried there.

Used widely in agriculture and military writing.

Related Idioms

Give someone the cold shoulder

Ignore or snub someone intentionally.

Chip on your shoulder

Carrying a grudge or feeling defensive about a perceived slight.

Give you the cold shoulder

Ignore someone deliberately to show disapproval.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.