# cross to bear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cross-to-bear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.