Suffering is something everyone experiences at some point in life. It can come from many things, like physical pain, emotional struggles, or tough situations. Idioms about suffering help explain these feelings in a creative way. These sayings use familiar words to describe complex emotions. They make it easier to talk about something difficult.
In this article, we will look at some common idioms about suffering. We will learn what they mean and how they are used. Understanding these idioms can help you express your own feelings when things get tough. Let’s dive into some interesting expressions and see how they can explain suffering.
Idioms About Suffering
1. In hot water
Meaning: To be in trouble or facing a difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
- Tim was in hot water when he lost his sister’s pet hamster.
- Sarah found herself in hot water after forgetting her homework again.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a jam, in a bind
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of being in boiling water, which can cause pain or trouble.
Usage: Used when someone is facing difficulties or problems.
2. Carry a heavy load
Meaning: To have many problems or burdens to deal with.
Example Sentence:
- Jenny had to carry a heavy load after her family moved to a new city.
- Mark was carrying a heavy load with his schoolwork and sports practice.
Other ways to say: Bear a burden, carry a weight, have a lot on one’s plate
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses the idea of physically carrying a heavy object to show the emotional weight of problems.
Usage: Used to describe someone dealing with a lot of difficulties.
3. A pain in the neck
Meaning: Something or someone that causes a lot of trouble or annoyance.
Example Sentence:
- The noisy neighbors are such a pain in the neck.
- It’s a pain in the neck when you lose your keys.
Other ways to say: Annoying, troublesome, irritating
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to the physical discomfort of having a pain in the neck, which can be hard to ignore.
Usage: Used to describe something that is very bothersome.
4. In the doghouse
Meaning: To be in trouble, especially with someone important like a parent or boss.
Example Sentence:
- After forgetting their anniversary, John was in the doghouse with his wife.
- Lisa was in the doghouse after spilling coffee on her boss’s papers.
Other ways to say: In trouble, on the outs, in bad books
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that dogs are often put outside when they misbehave.
Usage: Used when someone is in trouble or being punished.
5. Hit a rough patch
Meaning: To go through a period of difficulty or hardship.
Example Sentence:
- Jane and her family hit a rough patch after the car broke down.
- He’s been hitting a rough patch with his studies lately.
Other ways to say: Go through a hard time, face challenges, experience trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is thought to come from driving on uneven roads, which makes the ride difficult.
Usage: Used when someone is experiencing hard times.
6. Take a toll
Meaning: To have a negative effect or cause harm over time.
Example Sentence:
- The long hours at work took a toll on her health.
- The stress from the situation started to take a toll on his mood.
Other ways to say: Weigh down, wear out, drain
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the idea of a toll or fee being paid, slowly costing more over time.
Usage: Used when something slowly affects a person in a negative way.
7. Biting the bullet
Meaning: To do something painful or difficult that you’ve been avoiding.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah decided to bite the bullet and get her flu shot.
- After weeks of hesitation, Mike finally bit the bullet and apologized.
Other ways to say: Face the music, tough it out, swallow the bitter pill
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the old practice of soldiers biting a bullet to endure pain during surgery.
Usage: Used when someone faces a difficult task or situation.
8. A heavy heart
Meaning: Feeling sad or burdened emotionally.
Example Sentence:
- She left the meeting with a heavy heart after hearing the bad news.
- He had a heavy heart when his dog ran away.
Other ways to say: Feeling down, feeling blue, sad
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses the idea of emotional weight to explain sadness.
Usage: Used when someone feels emotionally heavy or sad.
9. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be changed or fixed.
Example Sentence:
- There’s no use crying over spilled milk; we’ll clean it up and move on.
- It’s not worth crying over spilled milk after the test is over.
Other ways to say: Worrying about the past, regretting something, fussing over nothing
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to milk being spilled, which cannot be put back in the bottle.
Usage: Used to encourage someone not to dwell on things they can’t fix.
10. Be at the end of your rope
Meaning: To be completely out of patience or energy.
Example Sentence:
- After working all week, I’m at the end of my rope and need a break.
- She was at the end of her rope with all the chores she had to do.
Other ways to say: At your wit’s end, out of steam, exhausted
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to a rope’s end, where there’s no more length to hold on to.
Usage: Used when someone feels they can’t take any more.
11. Going through the wringer
Meaning: To go through a tough or exhausting experience.
Example Sentence:
- After dealing with all those problems, he’s really been going through the wringer.
- The team went through the wringer during the championship game, but they won.
Other ways to say: Going through hard times, having a rough time, under stress
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom comes from the old process of wringing out clothes, which was tiring and difficult work.
Usage: Used when someone has faced or is facing a challenging situation.
12. Cry wolf
Meaning: To make a false alarm, especially about a problem or danger.
Example Sentence:
- If you keep crying wolf about every little issue, no one will take you seriously.
- She cried wolf when she said the test was canceled, but it wasn’t true.
Other ways to say: False alarm, making a fuss, overreacting
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom comes from the story of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” where a boy lies about a wolf, and no one believes him when it’s true.
Usage: Used when someone exaggerates or lies about a problem.
13. Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: To work too hard or stay up too late, leading to exhaustion.
Example Sentence:
- He’s been burning the candle at both ends with school and his part-time job.
- She was burning the candle at both ends, studying for exams late into the night.
Other ways to say: Overwork, exhaust yourself, wear yourself out
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to a candle burning from both ends, which would melt quickly.
Usage: Used when someone is overworking themselves or staying up late.
14. Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: To be in a difficult situation with no easy solution.
Example Sentence:
- I was between a rock and a hard place when I had to choose between two great jobs.
- She was stuck between a rock and a hard place when both friends asked her to their party.
Other ways to say: In a tough spot, in a bind, caught in a dilemma
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the feeling of being stuck between two hard choices, with no way to escape.
Usage: Used when someone has to make a hard decision between two bad options.
15. Like pulling teeth
Meaning: Something that is very difficult or frustrating to do.
Example Sentence:
- Getting him to clean his room is like pulling teeth.
- Asking for help with homework was like pulling teeth.
Other ways to say: Very hard, difficult task, frustrating
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom comes from the painful and hard task of pulling out teeth.
Usage: Used when something is very hard to accomplish or frustrating.
16. A thorn in your side
Meaning: A person or thing that causes constant trouble or annoyance.
Example Sentence:
- His little brother is always a thorn in his side during study time.
- The broken printer has been a thorn in our side all week.
Other ways to say: Annoyance, bother, pain
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the pain caused by a thorn, something small but bothersome.
Usage: Used when something or someone is a continual source of trouble.
17. Walking on eggshells
Meaning: To be very careful not to upset someone.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, I felt like I was walking on eggshells around my friend.
- She was walking on eggshells during the meeting, afraid of upsetting the boss.
Other ways to say: Treading lightly, being cautious, tiptoeing
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to how carefully one would walk if surrounded by fragile eggshells.
Usage: Used when someone is being overly careful not to upset someone else.
18. In the dumps
Meaning: To feel very sad or depressed.
Example Sentence:
- After losing the game, he was really in the dumps for days.
- She was in the dumps after hearing that her best friend was moving away.
Other ways to say: Feeling down, feeling blue, depressed
Fun Fact/Origin: The “dumps” originally referred to a trash heap, a place where things are discarded, symbolizing feeling low.
Usage: Used when someone is feeling very sad or discouraged.
19. Put a damper on
Meaning: To make a situation less enjoyable or stop something from going well.
Example Sentence:
- The rain put a damper on our picnic plans.
- The news of the cancellation really put a damper on her excitement.
Other ways to say: Ruin, spoil, bring down
Fun Fact/Origin: A damper is a device used to reduce the intensity of a fire, symbolizing lessening excitement or fun.
Usage: Used when something reduces enjoyment or excitement.
20. A bitter pill to swallow
Meaning: Something unpleasant or hard to accept.
Example Sentence:
- Losing the competition was a bitter pill to swallow, but he learned from it.
- Hearing that she didn’t get the job was a bitter pill to swallow.
Other ways to say: Hard to accept, difficult to bear, unpleasant truth
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the difficulty of swallowing something bitter, symbolizing tough situations.
Usage: Used when someone has to accept something unpleasant.
21. The last straw
Meaning: The final problem or difficulty that causes someone to give up.
Example Sentence:
- The last straw for Sarah was when her brother broke her favorite toy.
- After the constant delays, the last straw was when they missed the final bus.
Other ways to say: Breaking point, final straw, last chance
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to the “straw” that broke a camel’s back, meaning the last small problem that causes collapse.
Usage: Used when something small becomes the final cause of frustration or defeat.
22. Wear and tear
Meaning: The damage or problems caused by regular use over time.
Example Sentence:
- The constant use of the car caused a lot of wear and tear on the engine.
- The wear and tear on the old house was obvious after many years.
Other ways to say: Damage, deterioration, usage effects
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the physical damage caused to objects over time from being used regularly.
Usage: Used when something shows signs of age or regular use.
23. Crying over spilled milk
Meaning: Worrying about something that can’t be fixed or changed.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t cry over spilled milk; we can clean up the mess and try again.
- It’s no use crying over spilled milk now that the project is canceled.
Other ways to say: Worrying over nothing, dwelling on the past, fussing over small things
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to the idea that spilled milk cannot be put back in the bottle.
Usage: Used to tell someone not to worry about something they cannot change.
24. A hard pill to swallow
Meaning: Something difficult to accept or deal with.
Example Sentence:
- Failing the test was a hard pill to swallow, but he worked harder next time.
- Losing the job was a hard pill to swallow for the whole family.
Other ways to say: Hard to accept, tough to deal with, difficult reality
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the unpleasant experience of swallowing a bitter pill.
Usage: Used when something is hard to accept or face.
25. Hit rock bottom
Meaning: To reach the lowest point or a very bad situation.
Example Sentence:
- After losing his job and his home, he felt like he had hit rock bottom.
- Her grades hit rock bottom after she stopped studying.
Other ways to say: Lowest point, at a low, in despair
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of reaching the bottom of a well or pit, where nothing lower can be reached.
Usage: Used when someone has reached a very difficult or low point.
26. Walking a tightrope
Meaning: To be in a very risky or delicate situation.
Example Sentence:
- He’s walking a tightrope trying to balance school and work.
- The team was walking a tightrope during the final minutes of the game.
Other ways to say: Taking risks, in a dangerous spot, balancing
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from circus performers who walk on a tightrope, which is a dangerous and delicate task.
Usage: Used when someone is in a risky or tricky situation.
27. Under the weather
Meaning: To feel sick or unwell.
Example Sentence:
- I can’t go to school today, I’m feeling a little under the weather.
- She was under the weather after the long trip and needed rest.
Other ways to say: Feeling ill, not feeling well, under the weather
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from sailors, who would go below deck when feeling sick due to the rough weather.
Usage: Used when someone is feeling sick or unwell.
28. Carry the weight of the world
Meaning: To feel responsible for all problems or have many worries.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah felt like she was carrying the weight of the world when her family was struggling.
- He was carrying the weight of the world after his friend moved away.
Other ways to say: Overburdened, carrying a heavy load, feeling overwhelmed
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses the image of carrying the entire world to describe a heavy burden.
Usage: Used when someone feels like they have too many worries or responsibilities.
29. A slap in the face
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected insult or disappointment.
Example Sentence:
- Getting a bad grade on the test was a real slap in the face after all the studying.
- Her rejection letter felt like a slap in the face.
Other ways to say: Disappointment, insult, blow to one’s ego
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom likely refers to the physical act of slapping someone in the face, which is shocking and hurtful.
Usage: Used when someone faces an unexpected or harsh disappointment.
30. At the end of your rope
Meaning: To have no more patience or energy left.
Example Sentence:
- After working long hours, he was at the end of his rope and needed a break.
- She was at the end of her rope after the constant arguing at home.
Other ways to say: Out of patience, at your limit, done with
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase is thought to come from the idea of a rope being used to tie something, and when it’s at the end, you can’t hold on any longer.
Usage: Used when someone can’t take any more stress or frustration.
31. A bitter taste in your mouth
Meaning: To feel upset or disappointed by something.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, I had a bitter taste in my mouth and couldn’t enjoy the rest of the day.
- Losing the match left a bitter taste in her mouth, even though she tried her best.
Other ways to say: Feeling disappointed, feeling sour, upset
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to the unpleasant feeling that comes from tasting something bitter.
Usage: Used when someone feels disappointed or upset after an event.
32. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or quit trying.
Example Sentence:
- After failing the test three times, he decided to throw in the towel.
- She threw in the towel after trying to fix the broken toy for hours.
Other ways to say: Give up, quit, surrender
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight and give up.
Usage: Used when someone decides to stop trying because it’s too difficult.
33. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a situation.
Example Sentence:
- He felt like a fish out of water at the new school because he didn’t know anyone.
- She was like a fish out of water when she joined the team, not knowing any of the rules.
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable, awkward
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to how fish can’t survive out of water, making them feel lost and uncomfortable.
Usage: Used when someone feels uncomfortable or awkward in a new situation.
34. A storm in a teacup
Meaning: To make a big fuss over something small or unimportant.
Example Sentence:
- The argument over who would sit at the front was just a storm in a teacup.
- She made a storm in a teacup about the minor mistake in the presentation.
Other ways to say: Making a big deal, overreacting, blowing things out of proportion
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of a small storm, like a teacup, being blown out of proportion.
Usage: Used when someone makes a big deal out of something small.
35. In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation as others.
Example Sentence:
- We’re all in the same boat when it comes to finishing this project by Friday.
- They were in the same boat, both struggling to study for their final exams.
Other ways to say: In the same situation, together, facing the same problem
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of being in a boat with others, where everyone must work together to stay afloat.
Usage: Used when people are facing the same difficulties or challenges.
36. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example Sentence:
- He’s done all he can; now the ball is in your court to decide what happens next.
- The teacher gave me the assignment, so now the ball is in my court.
Other ways to say: Your responsibility, up to you, your move
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from tennis, where the ball must be hit back to the other player, so it’s their turn.
Usage: Used when it’s someone’s turn to make a choice or take action.
37. Take the heat
Meaning: To take the blame or criticism for something.
Example Sentence:
- He had to take the heat for the mistake, even though it wasn’t his fault.
- She took the heat for the team’s loss, even though everyone made mistakes.
Other ways to say: Bear the blame, face criticism, take responsibility
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom may come from the idea of standing in front of heat or fire, taking the pressure or punishment.
Usage: Used when someone accepts blame or criticism for something.
38. A shot in the dark
Meaning: A guess or action made without much information or certainty.
Example Sentence:
- Guessing the answer without studying was a shot in the dark, but it worked.
- She took a shot in the dark when she applied for the job she wasn’t sure about.
Other ways to say: Wild guess, uncertain, random attempt
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of shooting in the dark, where you can’t see what you’re aiming at.
Usage: Used when someone takes a guess or makes an attempt without knowing much.
39. Out of the frying pan into the fire
Meaning: To move from a bad situation to a worse one.
Example Sentence:
- After quitting her job, she found another one that was even more stressful—out of the frying pan into the fire.
- He thought switching schools would help, but it was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Other ways to say: From bad to worse, stuck in trouble, no better option
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares moving from the heat of a frying pan into the heat of a fire, making a situation worse.
Usage: Used when a change leads to an even worse situation.
40. A chip on your shoulder
Meaning: To be upset or angry about something that happened in the past.
Example Sentence:
- He’s always had a chip on his shoulder since he didn’t make the team last year.
- She walked around with a chip on her shoulder after the argument with her friend.
Other ways to say: Holding a grudge, bitter, angry
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the old practice of placing a chip of wood on a person’s shoulder, daring them to knock it off and start a fight.
Usage: Used when someone is angry or upset about something in the past.
41. Bend over backwards
Meaning: To go out of your way to help or please someone.
Example Sentence:
- She bent over backwards to make sure everyone enjoyed the party.
- He bent over backwards to help his friend pass the test, even though it was difficult.
Other ways to say: Go the extra mile, do your best, help a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom may come from the physical difficulty of bending backward, symbolizing making a big effort.
Usage: Used when someone makes a great effort to help or please others.
42. A slap on the wrist
Meaning: A mild punishment or reprimand for a mistake.
Example Sentence:
- After breaking the rule, he only got a slap on the wrist and wasn’t suspended.
- She received a slap on the wrist for being late to class, but nothing serious happened.
Other ways to say: Mild punishment, light reprimand, gentle warning
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom refers to the small pain from a slap on the wrist, indicating a minor punishment.
Usage: Used when someone gets only a small punishment for something wrong.
43. The writing’s on the wall
Meaning: A sign that something bad is going to happen.
Example Sentence:
- The company’s financial problems were clear—the writing was on the wall that layoffs were coming.
- With the way they were arguing, it was obvious that the relationship was over—the writing was on the wall.
Other ways to say: Clear signs, warning signs, bad news ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the biblical story of “Belshazzar’s Feast,” where mysterious writing appeared on the wall predicting bad events.
Usage: Used when it’s clear that something bad is about to happen.
44. Take the plunge
Meaning: To do something difficult or risky after much hesitation.
Example Sentence:
- After thinking about it for months, she finally took the plunge and moved to New York.
- He decided to take the plunge and try out for the school play.
Other ways to say: Take a risk, dive in, go for it
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase may come from diving into water, symbolizing making a big decision.
Usage: Used when someone finally decides to take a risky or difficult action.
45. A wake-up call
Meaning: An event or experience that makes someone realize something important or serious.
Example Sentence:
- The flat tire was a wake-up call for him to get his car checked.
- Her poor grades were a wake-up call, and she started studying harder.
Other ways to say: Eye-opener, reality check, important lesson
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of a loud noise waking someone up, symbolizing a realization.
Usage: Used when an event or experience forces someone to face a problem or change.
Quiz: Idioms About Suffering
Test your knowledge of suffering idioms! Choose the best answer for each question. Good luck!
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “a hard pill to swallow” mean?
A) Something easy to accept
B) Something difficult to accept
C) A small problem
2. What does it mean if someone “hits rock bottom”?
A) They are doing very well in life
B) They are in a very difficult situation
C) They are feeling very happy
3. If someone says they are “walking a tightrope,” what does it mean?
A) They are facing a very risky situation
B) They are going for a walk
C) They are feeling confident
4. What does the idiom “under the weather” mean?
A) Feeling sick
B) Feeling excited
C) Feeling very cold
5. What is meant by “carrying the weight of the world”?
A) Feeling very light and happy
B) Having too many worries or responsibilities
C) Carrying heavy objects
6. What does “a slap in the face” usually refer to?
A) A compliment
B) A sudden insult or disappointment
C) A kind gesture
7. If someone is “at the end of their rope,” they are…
A) Feeling very patient
B) Feeling frustrated or out of patience
C) Very excited
8. What does “a bitter taste in your mouth” mean?
A) Feeling disappointed or upset
B) Enjoying a delicious meal
C) Feeling happy and satisfied
9. If someone is “taking the heat,” they are…
A) Being praised for their actions
B) Taking blame or criticism for something
C) Making everyone laugh
10. What does “a shot in the dark” mean?
A) A guess made without much information
B) A well-thought-out decision
C) A risky move with no danger
Answer Key
- B – Something difficult to accept
- B – They are in a very difficult situation
- A – They are facing a very risky situation
- A – Feeling sick
- B – Having too many worries or responsibilities
- B – A sudden insult or disappointment
- B – Feeling frustrated or out of patience
- A – Feeling disappointed or upset
- B – Taking blame or criticism for something
- A – A guess made without much information
Wrapping Up
Understanding idioms about suffering helps us better express difficult situations and feelings. These expressions make it easier to talk about times when we face tough challenges, like feeling disappointed, stressed, or unwell. They help us connect with others who might be going through similar things.
Now that you’ve learned these idioms, try to use them in your daily conversations. The more you practice, the easier it will be to understand and use these phrases. Remember, idioms help make language more interesting and relatable, especially when talking about tough times. Keep exploring and using these idioms to improve your language skills!
