falling under the weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling under the weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is overwhelmed or burdened by a heavy load, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The old bridge was falling under the weight of the heavy traffic, prompting officials to close it for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Although not unexpected, Rubio's inability to carry his home state served as the final nail in the coffin of a campaign caught perennially on the cusp of breaking through, but falling under the weight of its own expectations.

The Guardian

Lernout & Hauspie also said it would seek similar protection in Belgium, where it became a shining star of Europe's high-tech industry before falling under the weight of suspected financial misconduct.

The New York Times

A paint job and property cleanup to make sure it doesn't blight the neighborhood, and then a structural check to keep it from falling under the weight of panicked personnel decisions and unmet expectation.

The New York Times - Sports

One need only listen to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump or Democratic second-runner Bernie Sanders to conclude that because of NAFTA, America's economic sky is falling under the weight of a horrific policy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His hands fall under the weight of an RPG-7 warhead - full but disabled.

The Guardian

Eventually, he predicts, it will fall under the weight of its own illegitimacy just like the dictatorship's other legacies.

The Economist

Gaps in the canopy let in the sun where big trees fell under the weight of ice and snow or from a windstorm.

The New York Times - Travel

The teen-ager who step-danced his way to silver in last month's American championships fell under the weight of Olympic pressure.

The New Yorker

And I said 'Jonathan.' And we literally both fell under the weight of the grief, collapsed to the sidewalk, just uncontrollably weeping.

The New York Times

Recent polls suggest that Mr. Paul is at the top of the pack in Iowa after a raucous campaign in which several of his rivals have taken their turn as the leader, only to fall under the weight of scrutiny and political gaffes.

The New York Times

As Jesus falls under the weight of the cross, Simon the Cyrene is compelled to help.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "falling under the weight", ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the burden or pressure. Be specific about the source of the weight to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid vague references to the cause of the weight. Instead of saying something is "falling under the weight", specify "falling under the weight of expectations" or "falling under the weight of debt" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling under the weight" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, often acting as the main verb or part of a predicate. It describes a state of being overwhelmed or collapsing due to a burden, either literally or figuratively, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "falling under the weight" is a phrase used to describe the act of collapsing, either literally or metaphorically, due to an overwhelming burden or pressure. Ludwig provides examples from various reliable sources, indicating that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, especially in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it offers a vivid way to convey the idea of being overcome by a significant force. As pointed out by Ludwig, related phrases like ""collapsing under the strain"" and "buckling under the burden" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with its own nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapsing under the strain

Replaces "weight" with "strain", emphasizing the pressure and stress causing the collapse.

succumbing to the pressure

Focuses on yielding to the pressure, suggesting a loss of resistance.

buckling under the burden

Uses "buckling" to imply bending or warping under a load, and replaces "weight" with "burden".

being overwhelmed by the load

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by a substantial quantity or burden.

giving way under the force

Highlights the action of collapsing due to an external force.

crumbling under the impact

Suggests disintegration or breaking apart due to a significant effect.

breaking down from the load

Implies a more gradual failure or breakdown over time.

unable to withstand the stress

Emphasizes the inability to endure or resist the pressure.

failing due to the burden

A more general term for not succeeding because of an obligation.

yielding to the demands

Focuses on giving in to overwhelming requirements or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "falling under the weight" in a sentence?

You can use "falling under the weight" to describe something collapsing either literally or metaphorically due to excessive burden or pressure. For example, "The old bridge was "collapsing under the strain" of heavy traffic" or "The project "succumbed to the pressure" of tight deadlines".

What can I say instead of "falling under the weight"?

You can use alternatives like ""collapsing under the strain"", "buckling under the burden", or "succumbing to the pressure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "falling under the weight" or "falling under its own weight"?

The choice depends on the context. "Falling under the weight" implies an external force or burden is causing the collapse. "Falling under its own weight" suggests the collapse is due to internal flaws or unsustainable aspects within the subject itself.

What's the difference between "falling under the weight" and "bending under the weight"?

"Falling under the weight" implies a complete collapse or failure, whereas "bending under the weight" suggests a temporary or partial deformation without necessarily breaking or collapsing.