Bear the brunt of

Meaning

The idiom "bear the brunt of" refers to taking the heaviest or greatest amount of something, usually a negative experience, responsibility, or punishment. It can also mean enduring or surviving a difficult situation or adversity. The figurative meaning is often used to describe someone who is being unfairly targeted or blamed for a problem.

Usage

• "The company's profits took a hit when the new CEO was hired, but they were able to bear the brunt of it and turn things around."
• "After the accident, the police questioned everyone involved, but it was the driver who bore the brunt of the blame."
• "When I told my friends about my breakup, they all offered support, but my ex-girlfriend took it personally and bore the brunt of it."
• "As the lead singer of the band, he always had to bear the brunt of the criticism when things didn't go well."
• "When our team lost the game, it was the goalkeeper who bore the brunt of the blame from the fans and the media." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe someone who is enduring a difficult situation or taking responsibility for a mistake. However, it can also be used to criticize someone who is being unfairly targeted or blamed for a problem.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but there are several theories about its roots. One theory suggests that the phrase "bear the brunt" comes from the military, where soldiers would have to bear the brunt of enemy fire during battles. Another theory suggests that the phrase comes from the agricultural industry, where farmers would have to bear the brunt of natural disasters like floods and droughts. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of contexts beyond just military or agricultural situations. It can now be used in many different fields and industries, including politics, sports, and entertainment.

Synonyms in English

• "carry the burden"
• "take on the responsibility"
• "shoulder the blame"
• "bear the weight"
• "endure the hardship"

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "porter le fardeau" (to carry the load)
• Spanish - "ser el responsable" (to be responsible)
• German - "tragen die Verantwortung" (to bear the responsibility)
• Italian - "assumere la responsabilità" (to assume responsibility)
• Dutch - "dragen de belastingen" (to bear the taxes)

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