heavy with child: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘heavy with child’ mean?

The idiom "heavy with child" is used to describe a woman who is in an advanced stage of pregnancy or very noticeably pregnant.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling the Burden

The idiom "heavy with child" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English to describe a pregnant woman. It signifies the physical weight and burden that a woman carries during pregnancy.

The term "food baby" is another idiom related to being "heavy with child." While "heavy with child" refers to the physical weight and burden of pregnancy, "food baby" is a figurative expression used to describe a bloated or distended stomach after eating a large meal. This idiom humorously compares the feeling of a full stomach to being pregnant, highlighting the temporary discomfort and physical sensation.

The etymology of "heavy with child" can be traced back to its literal meaning. The word "heavy" in this context refers to the physical weight of the unborn child and the additional weight that a pregnant woman carries. The idiom's historical usage and cultural significance have given it a lasting presence in the English language.

The idiom "hang heavy" is another expression related to the concept of being "heavy with child." "Hang heavy" is used to describe a feeling of heaviness or burden, often in an emotional or psychological sense. Just as a pregnant woman physically carries the weight of a growing baby, the idiom "hang heavy" characterizes the emotional weight or burden that someone may experience. It conveys a sense of being weighed down or overwhelmed by their thoughts or emotions.

Another idiom related to being "heavy with child" is "heavy as a dead donkey." This expression is used to describe something that is excessively heavy or burdensome. While it may not directly relate to pregnancy, it shares the theme of physical weight and burden. Like being "heavy with child," the idiom "heavy as a dead donkey" conveys a sense of struggling under the weight of a heavy load.

The pregnant woman felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation.

Using idioms like "food baby," "hang heavy," and "heavy as a dead donkey" adds color and depth to language. They provide a figurative and often humorous way to describe and understand various aspects of life, including pregnancy and the sensation of carrying a physical or emotional burden. These idioms bring a conversational tone to communication and help to create a connection between speakers.

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Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "heavy with child" can be used in a sentence:

  1. She is heavy with child and finds it difficult to move around.
  2. The woman was heavy with child, waiting anxiously for her due date.
  3. As the actress stood on stage, her belly heavy with child, the audience could see her excitement.

More "Pregnancy" idioms