Bear the brunt definitions
| Word backwards | raeb eht tnurb |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "bear" in the phrase "bear the brunt" is a verb. |
| Syllabic division | bear the brunt: bear/ the/ brunt |
| Plural | The plural form of the phrase "bear the brunt" is "bear the brunts." |
| Total letters | 12 |
| Vogais (3) | e,a,u |
| Consonants (5) | b,r,t,h,n |
When someone mentions the phrase "bear the brunt," they are typically referring to taking the main impact or experiencing the full force of something negative. This expression is often used to describe situations where someone has to deal with the most severe consequences or hardships.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "bear the brunt" can be traced back to the Middle Ages and is derived from military terminology. In battle, soldiers would bear the brunt of an attack, meaning they would be at the forefront facing the full force of the enemy's assault. Over time, the expression evolved to encompass any situation where someone is facing the worst part of a difficult or negative experience.
Meaning in Modern Context
In contemporary usage, "bear the brunt" is often used figuratively to describe individuals or groups who are dealing with the most significant impact of a particular situation. This could include facing blame or criticism, experiencing the most severe consequences of a decision, or enduring the most hardships in a given circumstance.
Example in a Sentence
For example, if a company is forced to make budget cuts, the employees who lose their jobs would be said to bear the brunt of the downsizing, as they are experiencing the most severe impact.
Overall, the phrase "bear the brunt" carries a connotation of facing the toughest part of a difficult situation. It highlights the idea of taking on the main burden or consequences when dealing with adversity.
Bear the brunt Examples
- During the economic downturn, small businesses often bear the brunt of financial struggles.
- In a group project, the leader will usually bear the brunt of the workload.
- When a hurricane hits, coastal communities typically bear the brunt of the storm's impact.
- During layoffs, entry-level employees often bear the brunt of job cuts.
- In a family argument, the youngest sibling may bear the brunt of blame.
- When a mistake is made at work, the responsible party will bear the brunt of criticism.
- During a price increase, consumers usually bear the brunt of higher costs.
- In a car accident, passengers in the backseat may bear the brunt of the impact.
- When a new policy is implemented, employees on the front line often bear the brunt of changes.
- During a company restructuring, middle managers may bear the brunt of layoffs.