take the load off

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has launched efforts to take the load off broadcasters’ backs and rebalance the regulatory asymmetry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The Bruins needed someone to take the load off Charisma Osborne.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2021

Getting him more involved in this offense will help take the load off of Rodriguez and Levis.

From Fox News • Oct. 20, 2021

Norwich’s injury crisis has ended but one glaring hole remains; someone to take the load off Teemu Pukki up front.

From The Guardian • Dec. 31, 2019

Something will shine out to take the load off that flags me, which is at present intolerable.

From The Best Letters of Charles Lamb by Lamb, Charles

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023