What does “Cross to bear” mean?
"Cross to bear" means a burden or responsibility that someone has to carry.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His addiction was a cross to bear for his family.
Example
Being the oldest sibling, she had a lot of crosses to bear.
Example
As the CEO, making tough decisions is his cross to bear
Is “Cross to bear” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cross to bear” 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 “Cross to bear” effectively in context?
You can use "Cross to Bear" to describe a burden or responsibility that someone has to carry. It emphasizes the weight and difficulty of the situation. For example, if someone is struggling with an addiction, you might say, 'His addiction was a cross to bear for his family.'
- 1Family
Being the oldest sibling, she had a lot of crosses to bear.
- 2Personal Challenges
Losing her job and going through a divorce at the same time was a heavy cross to bear.
- 3Leadership
As the CEO, making tough decisions is his cross to bear.
Similar phrases to “Cross to bear”:
Heavy load
A difficult or burdensome responsibility
Example
Taking care of her sick parents was a heavy load for her to carry.
The weight or obligation of a duty or task
Example
As the CEO, she carries the burden of responsibility for the company's success.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cross to bear” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cross to Bear" can be traced back to biblical references. It comes from the story of Jesus carrying a cross on his back before his crucifixion. The phrase has since evolved to represent any burden or responsibility that someone has to carry.
Is “Cross to bear” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cross to Bear" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the burdens and responsibilities they or others have to carry.
What tone does “Cross to bear” have?
"Cross to Bear" conveys a tone of empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the difficulties and challenges someone is facing and shows sympathy towards their situation.
Can “Cross to bear” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cross to Bear" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the weight of burdens and responsibilities. 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 correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Losing her job and going through a divorce at the same time was a heavy cross to bear.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's a heavy cross to bear.' to imply understanding and empathy.
