Groan under the weight of something
verb phrase
To suffer or struggle because of a large amount or a high level of burden, pressure, or stress.
The small business was groaning under the weight of financial issues
Often appears as...
- groan under the weight of responsibilities
- groan under the weight of expectations
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To literally be about to collapse, break, or give way due to holding or supporting something that is very heavy.
The table groaned under the weight of the holiday feast
Often appears as...
- table groans under the weight
- shelf groans under the weight
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To suffer or struggle because of a large amount or a high level of burden, pressure, or stress.
The small business was groaning under the weight of financial issues
Often appears as...
- groan under the weight of responsibilities
- groan under the weight of expectations
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To literally be about to collapse, break, or give way due to holding or supporting something that is very heavy.
The table groaned under the weight of the holiday feast
Often appears as...
- table groans under the weight
- shelf groans under the weight
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Tone
The phrase often implies the speaker's empathy towards the overwhelming situation being described.
The single mother groaned under the weight of working three jobs.
Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Nature
This expression can be used to exaggerate difficulties for dramatic effect.
I'm groaning under the weight of so much homework!
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Remember, it's usually not about physical weight but rather about stress or responsibility.
She groaned under the weight of many roles at work.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Tone
The phrase often implies the speaker's empathy towards the overwhelming situation being described.
The single mother groaned under the weight of working three jobs.
Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Nature
This expression can be used to exaggerate difficulties for dramatic effect.
I'm groaning under the weight of so much homework!
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Remember, it's usually not about physical weight but rather about stress or responsibility.
She groaned under the weight of many roles at work.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Tone
The phrase often implies the speaker's empathy towards the overwhelming situation being described.
The single mother groaned under the weight of working three jobs.
Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Nature
This expression can be used to exaggerate difficulties for dramatic effect.
I'm groaning under the weight of so much homework!
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Remember, it's usually not about physical weight but rather about stress or responsibility.
She groaned under the weight of many roles at work.
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