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

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 • Feb. 7, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 2, 2023

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 • Jul. 13, 2023

This is my cross to bear and one of my most embarrassing admissions.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2022

When I didn’t, she said, “Pore Loma. Pore Mary Willis. What a cross to bear, and Miss Mattie Lou not hardly cold in the grave. How’s yore ma a-takin’ it, Will?”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

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