cross to bear
A problem, or unpleasant or painful situation or person that one has to accept and deal with, although one finds it very difficult, or it causes trouble or worry over a long period of time.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His chronic back pain is a heavy cross to bear.”
“Taking care of the family business alone has become a difficult cross to bear for her.”
“He viewed his family's long history of debt as a silent cross to bear, one that shaped every major decision he made throughout his adult life.”
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average bear
The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons
- 02
bad news bears
Said of someone or something that will bring disaster or bad fortune to one.
- 03
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 04
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 05
bear fruit
To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.
- 06
bear in mind
To hold (something) in the memory; to remember; also, to be mindful of or pay attention to (something); to consider; to note.
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bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
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bear the brunt
To endure the worst part of something.
Last updated August 10, 2026