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.
(..) l have some standing in the industry. l just don't want to go out like a clown. lt'll be simple, dignified. You and Harry can check the copy. l think it'll take the strain off the show. - What do you think? - Well, okay. And no booze today, Howard! No booze. (..)1976 Network
(..) statement washing this whole thing off. You, Max, better have answers for those nuts that always come to the meetings. Mr. Beale has been under great professional and personal strain. l've got surprises for you, too! l've had it up to here with your division... and it's annual $ million deficit! (..)1976 Network