cross to bear

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]

Example Sentences

The crucifix was on wheels, because in modern-day America, an integral part of choosing your cross to bear is figuring out how to make it everyone else’s problem.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on 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".

Read more on BBC

My cross to bear is Father Eleuterio Ramos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

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