People were 'straining their necks' [=were lifting their heads as high as they could by stretching their necks] to see the fight.
He 'cracked/collapsed/buckled under the strain'. [=he was not able to deal with the pressure]
I 'strained my ears' to hear [=I tried very hard to hear] what they were whispering.
(..) Boy, am I glad to see you. The Claus meter suddenly just dropped down to zero. There's just no Christmas spirit anymore. And then the strain was too Much... The engine broke free of her mounts. I need an elf's help. I... I'm not an elf, Santa. (..)2003 Elf
(..) anything quite as gruesome as this." And while the amniotic sac wasn't punctured... and isn't ruptured... we are seeing signs of strain on the cervix. Most likely caused by the trauma. Which is why... I am putting you on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. Now, you can get up (..)2014 Annabelle
(..) They aren't in cradle school, in case you didn't notice. Although you treat them that way. We don't scare them any more than we have to, Percy. - They're under enough strain as it is. - Men under strain can snap. Hurt themselves and hurt others. That's why our job is... ...talking... (..)1999 The Green Mile