cross to bear

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

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