a weight off one's shoulders

/ə ˈweɪt ɔf wʌnz ˈʃoʊldərz/◆idiom

relief from stress

After she finished her final exam, she said, 'That's a weight off my shoulders!'

She felt relieved because the stressful task was completed.

◆ What It Really Means

a feeling of relief after a burden or stress is removed

¶ Literal Meaning

a physical weight removed from one's shoulders

Literal Breakdown

a weighta heavy object+off one's shouldersremoved from the area where shoulders carry weight

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture of a heavy object being lifted from one's shoulders, symbolizing the removal of stress or responsibility.

◈ When to Use

After submitting a long-overdue project at work, an employee might say, 'That's a weight off my shoulders!' to express their relief.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the universal human experience of carrying emotional or mental burdens, making it relatable across cultures. It is commonly used in English-speaking countries to describe relief in both personal and professional contexts.

informal

a feeling of relief after a burden or stress is removed

Passing the driving test was a weight off his shoulders.

He felt relieved after passing the test.

Getting the approval from the manager was a weight off the team's shoulders.

The team felt relieved after receiving approval.

Often used to describe emotional or mental relief after a challenging situation is resolved.

Collocations

take a weight off one's shouldersto relieve someone of stress

Synonyms

relief ease comfort alleviation

Antonyms

burden stress pressure anxiety

Related Phrases

lift a burdenphrase

to remove a responsibility or stress

let out a sigh of reliefphrase

to express relief after a stressful situation

Pro Tip

Use in context

Use this idiom when someone has completed a difficult task or overcome a stressful situation. It emphasizes the emotional relief felt afterward.

Gold Rule

Avoid literal interpretation

This idiom is figurative. Do not use it to describe physical weights or actual shoulders.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal sense of carrying a physical weight on one's shoulders, which causes strain. Over time, it metaphorically extended to describe emotional or mental burdens.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written English to express relief. It can refer to any type of burden, whether it's a task, responsibility, or emotional stress.

English Dictionary

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