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]

Example Sentences

My cross to bear is Father Eleuterio Ramos.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

Whereas the Big Ten’s deal had served as a valuation North Star for the conference, the Big 12’s agreement became its Southern Cross to bear.

From Seattle Times

“I have the video to constantly remind me that this is a large cross to bear.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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