broad shoulders: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘broad shoulders’ mean?
The idiom broad shoulders is often used to refer to someone who can bear responsibility, criticism, or difficulties without being overwhelmed.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "old head on young shoulders" means that a person is wise, mature, or responsible beyond their years.
"Large and in charge" is an idiom that means someone is in a position of power or authority, and they are confident and capable of handling their responsibilities.
The idiom "head and shoulders" means to be significantly better or superior compared to others in a particular area or aspect.
The idiom "glass chin" is used to describe someone who is easily hurt, either physically or emotionally, and cannot handle criticism or difficult situations well.
The idiom "dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants" means building upon the knowledge and achievements of those who came before, often used to express humility and the recognition that one's accomplishments are made possible by the work of others.
The idiom "cross to bear" means to have a burden or responsibility that one must carry or deal with throughout their life.
A "chip on one's shoulder" means to be easily provoked or inclined to take offense, often from a sense of being treated unfairly or with a perceived inferiority. This idiom originates from the practice of daring someone to knock a chip off their shoulder as a way to instigate a fight.
The idiom "carry the can" means to take responsibility or blame for something, especially when others are trying to avoid it.
The idiom "carry the can" is a widely used phrase in the English language. It is most commonly used to mean taking responsibility or bearing the blame for something. It has a negative connotation and is often used when others are unwilling or unable to take responsibility. This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
The idiom "carry one's weight" means to do one's fair share of work or responsibility in a group or team.
The idiom "carry one's weight" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means to fulfill one's responsibilities or contribute one's fair share of work. This idiom is often used in both professional and personal contexts, and it conveys a sense of accountability and fairness.
Harnessing Strength
The idiom "broad shoulders" is an English expression that describes someone who is strong, capable, and able to handle difficulties or responsibilities. This metaphorical phrase has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. It originated from the literal description of physical attributes, as broad shoulders are traditionally associated with strength and power. They provide a sturdy foundation for supporting heavy loads.
With broad shoulders, a person has the physical ability to bear the weight of problems without being overwhelmed. This physical association has led to the metaphorical extension of the term to describe someone who possesses emotional or mental strength. Individuals with broad shoulders can handle obstacles and burdens with confidence and composure.
In a figurative sense, having "broad shoulders" suggests resilience, fortitude, and the capacity to endure hardships. It implies that a person is not easily overwhelmed by challenges and can stay calm and composed in difficult situations. This idiom conveys a sense of dependability and reliability. People with broad shoulders are seen as trustworthy and capable of shouldering the responsibilities they are entrusted with.
The idiom "broad shoulders" is commonly used in various contexts, both formal and informal. It can be used to describe individuals who take on leadership roles or positions of authority. These individuals are expected to bear the weight of decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, the idiom is often used to praise someone's ability to handle pressure or adversity gracefully.
One related idiom that is frequently used in conjunction with "broad shoulders" is "old head on young shoulders." This idiom describes a person who is mature, wise, or experienced beyond their years. When someone has an old head on young shoulders, they exhibit qualities that are typically associated with someone older or more seasoned. This idiom emphasizes the wisdom and maturity of an individual, highlighting their ability to handle responsibilities with the confidence and composure of someone older.
While the idiom "broad shoulders" carries positive connotations of strength and resilience, it can also be used in a more negative or sarcastic manner. In some cases, it may be used to criticize individuals who take on too many responsibilities or burdens without seeking help or support. This usage highlights the potential drawbacks of having broad shoulders, such as becoming overwhelmed or burnt out.
Another related idiom that is often associated with "broad shoulders" is "broad-beamed." This idiom describes someone who is physically wide or broad in size. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to describe someone with a larger physical stature. While both idioms reference the physical characteristics of someone, "broad shoulders" focuses on strength and resilience, whereas "broad-beamed" focuses on the physical size or width of an individual.
Overall, the idiom "broad shoulders" represents an enduring metaphor for strength, capability, and the ability to withstand challenges. It acknowledges the importance of resilience and fortitude in navigating life's difficulties. Whether depicting physical or emotional strength, the idiom captures the essence of human endurance and the capacity to shoulder various burdens.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom broad shoulders can be used in a sentence are:
1. She has broad shoulders and can handle criticism well.
2. The CEO showed his broad shoulders by taking responsibility for the company's failure.
3. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never complained and always carried his responsibilities with broad shoulders.
More "Attributes" idioms
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