Meaning: This idiom means to feel a sense of relief after a burden or source of stress has been removed. It implies that a significant worry or responsibility has been resolved, leading to a lighter, more carefree feeling.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “After I finished my final exams, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”
- “When she heard that the loan had been approved, she felt a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.”
- “Completing the project on time took a lot of effort, but now that it’s done, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “weight has been lifted off your shoulders” is metaphorical, relating to the physical sensation of carrying a heavy load. Just as removing a heavy object from one’s shoulders brings physical relief, resolving a stressful situation or responsibility brings emotional or mental relief. The idiom effectively conveys the feeling of freedom and ease that comes with the resolution of burdensome issues. The phrase has been commonly used in English to express relief and the alleviation of stress or worry.