Allusionary

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Cross to Bear

A personal burden one has to carry.

Origin

From Jesus's instruction that his followers must 'take up their cross' and from his own carrying of the cross to Golgotha. The phrase became a metaphor for the suffering that defines a particular life.

Modern usage

Used (often half-jokingly) for any persistent personal hardship โ€” chronic illness, a difficult family member, a hated commute.

Tags

burden
suffering

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