The humble shoulder. It holds up our clothes, helps us carry burdens, and even gives us a place to cry sometimes. But beyond the physical, the shoulder features in a surprising number of idioms in the English language. Let’s delve into these expressions and see how they can add flavor to your writing.
List of Shoulder Idioms
Shoulder to the wheel
Shoulder the burden
Get a chip off one’s shoulder
Over one’s shoulder
Look over one’s shoulder
A shoulder to cry on
Shoulder the responsibility
Put one’s shoulder to the wheel
Shoulder to shoulder
Give someone the cold shoulder
Stand shoulder to shoulder
Rub shoulders with
Keep an eye over one’s shoulder
Cry on someone’s shoulder
Look over someone’s shoulder
Put one’s shoulder to the grindstone
Hold the bag over one’s shoulder
Shoulder the blame
Have a chip on one’s shoulder
Shoulder the load
Pat on the back
Shoulder the consequences
Shoulder the task
Stand on someone’s shoulders
Look over one’s shoulder at someone
A weight off one’s shoulders
Look over one’s shoulder for something
Shoulder the brunt
Carry something on one’s shoulder
Shoulder the guilt
Stand shoulder to shoulder with someone
Rub shoulders
Shoulder the heat
Cry on someone’s shoulder about something
Shoulder the hardship
Shoulder the expense
Shoulder the grief
Look over one’s shoulder for someone
Over one’s shoulder at someone
Shoulder the consequences of something
Shoulder the work
Carry the weight on one’s shoulders
Shoulder the embarrassment
Shoulder the debt
Shoulder the obligation
Shoulder the criticism
Shoulder the blame for something
Look over one’s shoulder in fear
Shoulder the problem
Shoulder the risk
Chip on your shoulder
Put your shoulder to the wheel
Straight from the shoulder
Cold shoulder treatment
Shoulder Idioms with Meaning and Examples
Shoulder to the wheel
Meaning: To begin or continue working hard and diligently on a task or project.
Example: Despite the challenges, the team decided to shoulder to the wheel and complete the project on time.
Shoulder the burden
Meaning: To accept responsibility for a difficult or challenging situation or task.
Example: As the leader of the group, she had to shoulder the burden of making tough decisions.
Get a chip off one’s shoulder
Meaning: To let go of a grudge or resentment.
Example: After their heartfelt conversation, he finally managed to get a chip off his shoulder regarding their past disagreement.
Over one’s shoulder
Meaning: To watch out for danger or someone pursuing you.
Example: She walked quickly down the dark alley, constantly looking over her shoulder.
Look over one’s shoulder
Meaning: To be cautious or paranoid about possible threats or problems.
Example: After the recent break-in, he couldn’t help but constantly look over his shoulder whenever he heard a noise.
A shoulder to cry on
Meaning: Someone who provides comfort and support during difficult times.
Example: After her breakup, she relied on her best friend’s shoulder to cry on for emotional support.
Shoulder the responsibility
Meaning: To accept or bear the duty or obligation for something.
Example: As the manager, it was his duty to shoulder the responsibility for the team’s performance.
Put one’s shoulder to the wheel
Meaning: To start working hard and diligently on a task or project.
Example: With the deadline approaching, everyone in the office put their shoulder to the wheel to finish the project.
Shoulder to shoulder
Meaning: Standing or working closely alongside someone, offering support and cooperation.
Example: The two countries stood shoulder to shoulder in their fight against terrorism.
Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To deliberately ignore or reject someone.
Example: After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for days.
Stand shoulder to shoulder
Meaning: To support or stand in solidarity with someone.
Example: The community stood shoulder to shoulder to help those affected by the natural disaster.
Rub shoulders with
Meaning: To associate or socialize with someone, usually of higher social status.
Example: At the gala, she rubbed shoulders with CEOs and celebrities.
Keep an eye over one’s shoulder
Meaning: To watch out for potential danger or threats.
Example: Living in a rough neighborhood, he always kept an eye over his shoulder when walking home late at night.
Cry on someone’s shoulder
Meaning: To confide in someone and seek emotional support.
Example: After the loss, she cried on her sister’s shoulder for hours.
Look over someone’s shoulder
Meaning: To watch someone’s actions closely, often to supervise or monitor.
Example: The teacher looked over the student’s shoulder as they worked on the assignment.
Put one’s shoulder to the grindstone
Meaning: To work diligently and persistently on a task or project.
Example: With the exams approaching, he put his shoulder to the grindstone and studied every day.
Hold the bag over one’s shoulder
Meaning: To carry responsibility or blame for something.
Example: Despite being innocent, he held the bag over his shoulder for the mistake made by the team.
Shoulder the blame
Meaning: To accept responsibility or take the blame for something that went wrong.
Example: Instead of pointing fingers, she decided to shoulder the blame for the project’s failure.
Have a chip on one’s shoulder
Meaning: To be easily offended or inclined to be hostile due to a sense of inferiority or resentment.
Example: He always had a chip on his shoulder about his humble beginnings.
Shoulder the load
Meaning: To bear or carry the weight of responsibility or work.
Example: The CEO decided to shoulder the load of restructuring the company himself.
Pat on the back
Meaning: To praise or encourage someone for their efforts or achievements.
Example: The coach gave the team a pat on the back for their excellent performance in the tournament.
Shoulder the consequences
Meaning: To accept or endure the results or repercussions of one’s actions.
Example: He knew he had to shoulder the consequences of his reckless behavior.
Shoulder the task
Meaning: To take on or accept a particular duty or responsibility.
Example: Despite his busy schedule, he agreed to shoulder the task of organizing the event.
Stand on someone’s shoulders
Meaning: To build upon the achievements or progress made by others.
Example: As a scientist, she stood on the shoulders of giants who came before her.
Look over one’s shoulder at someone
Meaning: To glance back at someone behind you.
Example: She looked over her shoulder at the stranger following her down the street.
A weight off one’s shoulders
Meaning: A relief from a burden or worry.
Example: After passing the exam, it felt like a weight off her shoulders.
Look over one’s shoulder for something
Meaning: To be cautious or watchful for potential problems or dangers.
Example: She looked over her shoulder for any signs of danger as she walked through the dark alley.
Shoulder the brunt
Meaning: To bear the main impact or force of something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: As the leader, he had to shoulder the brunt of the criticism from the disappointed shareholders.
Carry something on one’s shoulder
Meaning: To transport or hold something using one’s shoulder.
Example: He carried the heavy box on his shoulder as he walked to the storage room.
Shoulder the guilt
Meaning: To accept responsibility and feel remorse for something wrong or bad that one has done.
Example: Even though it was an accident, he couldn’t help but shoulder the guilt for his friend’s injury.
Stand shoulder to shoulder with someone
Meaning: To support or stand in solidarity with someone, especially during difficult times.
Example: The allies stood shoulder to shoulder with each other during the crisis.
Rub shoulders
Meaning: To socialize or interact with people, especially those of higher social status.
Example: At the conference, he rubbed shoulders with influential leaders and scholars.
Shoulder the heat
Meaning: To endure criticism, blame, or punishment.
Example: As the project manager, she had to shoulder the heat for the project’s delays.
Cry on someone’s shoulder about something
Meaning: To confide in someone and seek comfort or sympathy regarding a particular issue.
Example: She cried on her friend’s shoulder about her struggles with work.
Shoulder the hardship
Meaning: To endure or bear the difficulties or challenges of a situation.
Example: As a single parent, she had to shoulder the hardship of raising her children alone.
Shoulder the expense
Meaning: To bear or pay for the cost of something.
Example: He decided to shoulder the expense of renovating the old house.
Shoulder the grief
Meaning: To bear or experience intense sorrow or distress.
Example: After the loss of his pet, he had to shoulder the grief alone.
Look over one’s shoulder for someone
Meaning: To be watchful or cautious of someone following or pursuing you.
Example: She kept looking over her shoulder for her friend who was supposed to meet her.
Over one’s shoulder at someone
Meaning: To look back at someone behind you.
Example: He glanced over his shoulder at the stranger walking closely behind him.
Shoulder the consequences of something
Meaning: To accept or face the outcomes or results of a particular action or decision.
Example: Despite the warnings, he chose to shoulder the consequences of his risky investment.
Shoulder the work
Meaning: To take on or bear the responsibility for completing tasks or assignments.
Example: As the team leader, he had to shoulder the work of coordinating everyone’s efforts.
Carry the weight on one’s shoulders
Meaning: To bear the heavy burden of responsibility or stress.
Example: The CEO carried the weight on his shoulders of ensuring the company’s success.
Shoulder the embarrassment
Meaning: To accept or endure feelings of shame or humiliation.
Example: She had to shoulder the embarrassment of tripping and falling in front of everyone.
Shoulder the debt
Meaning: To take responsibility for paying off a financial obligation.
Example: Despite the financial strain, he decided to shoulder the debt on his own.
Shoulder the obligation
Meaning: To accept or fulfill a duty or commitment.
Example: He felt it was his duty to shoulder the obligation of taking care of his aging parents.
Shoulder the criticism
Meaning: To accept or endure negative feedback or disapproval.
Example: As an artist, she had to shoulder the criticism of her work from critics and fans alike.
Shoulder the blame for something
Meaning: To accept responsibility or be held accountable for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example: Despite being innocent, he decided to shoulder the blame for the team’s failure.
Look over one’s shoulder in fear
Meaning: To be constantly watchful or wary of potential danger or threats.
Example: She looked over her shoulder in fear as she walked through the deserted alley.
Shoulder the problem
Meaning: To take on the responsibility of solving a difficult or complex issue.
Example: The manager had to shoulder the problem of decreasing sales and find a solution.
Shoulder the risk
Meaning: To accept or bear the possibility of loss or failure.
Example: Despite the uncertainty, he decided to shoulder the risk and invest in the startup.
Chip on your shoulder
Meaning: To harbor a grudge or feeling of resentment.
Example: He always had a chip on his shoulder because of his rough upbringing.
Put your shoulder to the wheel
Meaning: To start working hard and making an effort to accomplish a task.
Example: With the deadline approaching, everyone put their shoulder to the wheel to finish the project on time.
Straight from the shoulder
Meaning: To be honest and direct, without sugarcoating.
Example: He appreciated her straight-from-the-shoulder advice about his career choices.
Cold shoulder treatment
Meaning: To intentionally ignore or treat someone with aloofness or indifference.
Example: Despite his attempts to reconcile, she continued to give him the cold shoulder treatment.
These are just a few examples of shoulder idioms that can add personality and depth to your writing. So next time you’re looking to express an idea, consider reaching for a shoulder idiom – it might just be the perfect way to put your message across!
