What does "shoulders" mean?

1. (body parts) the two parts of your body between your neck and the top of your arms. 2. (responsibility) the ability to deal with a difficult task or blame. 3. (to take on a burden) to accept a difficult job or responsibility.

How do you use "shoulders"?

The verb is transitive and usually takes an abstract noun like 'blame' or 'cost' as an object.

shoulders

n. · v.

US //ˈʃoʊɫdɝz// UK //ʃˈəʊldəz// shoul·ders

1 body parts (n.)
A1 Beginner Medicine

the two parts of your body between your neck and the top of your arms.

the anatomical regions where the upper limbs attach to the trunk.

Example

He carried the small child on his shoulders so she could see the parade.

Example

The athlete suffered a minor injury to his left shoulder during the final minutes of the championship match.
2 responsibility (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the ability to deal with a difficult task or blame.

the capacity to bear a burden, task, or moral responsibility.

Example

The young manager has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders.

Example

The CEO felt the weight of the entire company's future resting on his shoulders during the merger negotiations.
- responsibility
- burden

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3 to take on a burden (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to accept a difficult job or responsibility.

to take on or accept a burden or responsibility; often used metaphorically.

Example

She had to shoulder the cost of the repairs herself.

Example

In the absence of clear leadership, the junior partner was forced to shoulder the blame for the project's eventual failure.

Usage

The verb is transitive and usually takes an abstract noun like 'blame' or 'cost' as an object.
- shirk
- avoid

Idioms9 entries