take the load off

Idioms  

1. Sit down, relax, as in I wish you'd take some time and take the load off. A shortening of take the load off one's feet, this colloquial phrase dates from about 1940. It is sometimes put as take a load off.

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Example Sentences

McVay and LaFleur plan to give Blake Corum and, perhaps, rookie Jarquez Hunter opportunities to take the load off Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

Ideally, you’d find a player who can take the load off in the regular season to keep Paul fresh for the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Horner said Ricciardo was joining to help take the load off the race drivers in areas such as marketing - such as show-car runs and events - and would also be used to progress car development on the simulator.

From BBC

“We’ve got a hell of an opportunity, hell of a chance. Why get out there and rely on somebody else to make the play? I want to make the play. Aaron Donald wants to make the play. Jalen Ramsey wants to make the play. … We’ve got all these guys that are stepping up to take the load off everybody else.”

From Seattle Times

Most important — at least in the games he plays — Irving offers the Nets a reliable option to take the load off James Harden and Durant.

From New York Times