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shoulder

Definition

  • noun: the part of your body where your arm is connected
  • noun: the laterally projecting part of the human body formed of the bones and joints with their covering tissue by which the arm is connected with the trunk
  • verb: to deal with or accept (something) as your responsibility or duty
  • verb: to push or thrust with or as if with the shoulder
  • often used figuratively
  • synonyms: support, jostle, crowd

Examples

  • The responsibility for the failure falls squarely 'on her shoulders'. [=she is completely responsible for the failure]

  • You can never feel confident in this business. You always have to be 'looking over your shoulder'.

  • He 'has had a chip on his shoulder' ever since he didn't get the promotion he was expecting.

Movie quotes

  • (..) Feel the weight of that bag. Make no mistake, your relationships are the heaviest components in your life. Do you feel the straps cutting into your shoulders? All those negotiations and arguments and secrets and compromises. You don't need to carry all that weight. Why don't you set that bag down? (..)
    2009 Up in the Air
  • (..) No. I'm fine, thank you. How much does your life weigh? Imagine for a second that you're carrying a backpack. I want you to feel the straps on your shoulders. Feel them? Now I want you to pack it with all the stuff that you have in your life. You start with the little things, (..)
    2009 Up in the Air