cross to bear

Idioms  

1. A burden or trial one must put up with, as in Alzheimer's is a cross to bear for the whole family, or in a lighter vein, Mowing that huge lawn once a week is Brad's cross to bear: This phrase alludes to the cross carried by Jesus to his crucifixion. Today it may be used either seriously or lightly. [Second half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Gomez’s predecessor, Cardinal Roger Mahony, long drew national attention for attacking anti-immigrant legislation during his sermons and marching alongside immigrant rights protesters, a cross to bear that Gomez never warmed up to.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Herrmann said Roberts accepted if she had acted differently her son may still be alive, adding that was a "very significant cross to bear for the rest of her life".

From BBC

“This little face: That’s going to be your cross to bear every day,” Arias said.

From Seattle Times

At that point, an aging house of worship may simply become—for both a church’s broader mission and the city itself—too heavy a cross to bear.

From Slate

Whereas the Big Ten’s deal had served as a valuation North Star for the conference, the Big 12’s agreement became its Southern Cross to bear.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• adversity
• grief
• heartache
• misery
• misfortune
• woe