Idiom
Cross to Bear: Origin and Meaning
Meaning
A problem or issue that you have to deal with alone, often causing you worry or stress.
Origin
When Jesus Christ was sentenced to death, he was forced to carry the cross that he was crucified on alone. It is thought that this is where the phrase originated from, although it is now often used to mean a psychological rather than a physical burden.
When Jesus Christ was sentenced to death, he was forced to carry the cross that he was crucified on alone. It is thought that this is where the phrase originated from, although it is now often used to mean a psychological rather than a physical burden.Examples
“Thank you for offering to help but there’s nothing you can do. This is my cross to bear.”
“I wish Helen hadn’t told me her big secret last week. It’s a horrible cross to bear.”
Josh: “My father is still very sick. I go to his house and look after him every evening.”
Lisa: “Wow, you are a very good son. It must be difficult for you.”
Josh: “Well, we all have our cross to bear.”
“I wish Helen hadn’t told me her big secret last week. It’s a horrible cross to bear.”
Josh: “My father is still very sick. I go to his house and look after him every evening.”
Lisa: “Wow, you are a very good son. It must be difficult for you.”
Josh: “Well, we all have our cross to bear.”
