Bear the brunt: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Bear the brunt” mean?

"Bear the brunt" means to experience the worst or most severe part of something.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The small town bore the brunt of the hurricane's destruction.

Example

The employees bear the brunt of the company's cost-cutting measures.

Example

The children will bear the brunt of the teacher's anger for misbehaving

Is “Bear the brunt” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Bear the brunt” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Bear the brunt” effectively in context?

You can use "Bear the Brunt" to describe a situation where someone or something experiences the worst or most severe part of something. It emphasizes the idea of enduring the full force or impact of a negative event or consequence. For example, if a small town suffers the most damage from a hurricane, you might say, 'The small town "bore the brunt" of the hurricane's destruction.'

• 1. Natural Disaster

  After the earthquake, the coastal city bore the brunt of the tsunami.

• 2. Workplace

  The employees bear the brunt of the company's cost-cutting measures through layoffs and reduced benefits.

• 3. Discipline

  The children will bear the brunt of the teacher's anger for misbehaving.

Similar phrases to “Bear the brunt”:

Take the heat

To face criticism or blame for something

Example

The manager decided to take the heat for the team's mistakes.

Shoulder the burden

To take on the responsibility or weight of a difficult task or problem

Example

She willingly shoulders the burden of caring for her aging parents.

Absorb the impact

To endure or withstand the full force or effect of something

Example

The car's airbags helped absorb the impact of the collision.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Bear the brunt” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Bear the Brunt" is unknown.

Is “Bear the brunt” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Bear the Brunt" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone or something experiences the most negative consequences or effects.

What tone does “Bear the brunt” have?

"Bear the Brunt" conveys a tone of hardship and adversity. It implies that someone or something is facing the full impact or severity of a situation.

Can “Bear the brunt” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Bear the Brunt" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the experience of enduring the worst or most severe part of something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The small town "bore the brunt" of the hurricane's destruction.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "bear the brunt"!' to imply readiness to face a difficult situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• endure the worst
• suffer the consequences
• take the brunt
• face the worst
• experience the full force

Antonyms

• avoid the impact
• escape the consequences
• evade the brunt
• dodge the worst
• sidestep the full force