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cross to bear
[cross] {sb} (must|should) bear
[cross] {sb} [have] to bear
cross to bear
01
a difficult situation that one cannot change or escape from
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "cross to bear" and when to use it?
The idiom "cross to bear" has its origins in Christianity, specifically referring to the burden or suffering that Jesus Christ carried, symbolized by the cross, on his way to crucifixion. It is used to impliy a sense of hardship, sacrifice, or duty that one must face or accept, often without the ability to escape or rid oneself of it.
Example
When Nancy's husband passed away, she was left with quite a cross to bear having to raise four children on her own.
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