On somebody’s shoulders

usgb
phrase

Being responsible for something or someone.

As the team leader, the success of the project is on your shoulders.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - Being responsible for something or someone.

Often appears as...

  • the responsibility is on his shoulders
  • the future of the company is on her shoulders

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To provide support for someone, either physically or emotionally.

He put his arm around her, letting her lean on his shoulder.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - To provide support for someone, either physically or emotionally.

Often appears as...

  • lean on someone's shoulders
  • rely on someone's shoulders
phrase

To carry a person or a weighty object, generally by placing the weight on one's shoulders.

He hoisted the heavy bag onto his shoulders and kept moving.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - To carry a person or a weighty object, generally by placing the weight on one's shoulders.

Often appears as...

  • put a bag on someone's shoulders
  • lift a child onto someone's shoulders
phrase

Being responsible for something or someone.

As the team leader, the success of the project is on your shoulders.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - Being responsible for something or someone.

Often appears as...

  • the responsibility is on his shoulders
  • the future of the company is on her shoulders

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To provide support for someone, either physically or emotionally.

He put his arm around her, letting her lean on his shoulder.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - To provide support for someone, either physically or emotionally.

Often appears as...

  • lean on someone's shoulders
  • rely on someone's shoulders
phrase

To carry a person or a weighty object, generally by placing the weight on one's shoulders.

He hoisted the heavy bag onto his shoulders and kept moving.
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders" - To carry a person or a weighty object, generally by placing the weight on one's shoulders.

Often appears as...

  • put a bag on someone's shoulders
  • lift a child onto someone's shoulders
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "on somebody’s shoulders"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Weight

This phrase often represents an invisible burden like stress or pressure, not a physical weight.

Illustration for Metaphorical Weight
With both parents working, the care of her younger siblings often fell on her shoulders.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Solo Responsibility

It suggests that the person alone is accountable for a certain task or outcome.

Illustration for Solo Responsibility
The decision to merge the companies now rests on the CEO’s shoulders.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Leadership Burden

This phrase is commonly used to describe the heavy responsibilities leaders face.

Illustration for Leadership Burden
As mayor, the safety of the town lies on his shoulders.
Visual representation of the word "On somebody’s shoulders"

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