beast of burden
The term "beast of burden" originates from the use of animals to carry heavy loads or perform laborious tasks for humans, and it has also evolved to describe situations of extreme burden or responsibility.
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Definition
B2Animal Husbandry
(technical)A domesticated animal used to carry heavy loads or perform laborious tasks.
Example
- Donkeys have been used as beasts of burden for centuries in many cultures.
- The llama is commonly employed as a beast of burden in the Andes.
B2Idiomatic
(figurative)A person or entity that is made to bear a heavy load, responsibility, or burden.
Example
- She felt like a beast of burden, taking on all the extra work without any help.
- The outdated system has become a beast of burden for the company, struggling to keep up with modern demands.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "beast of burden":