sack of bricks

USAGE SUMMARY

"sack of bricks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a metaphor to describe a very heavy load, especially one which is difficult to carry. For example, "Carrying those boxes up the stairs was like a sack of bricks!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Arriving at his death row cell, literally 10 feet from the electric-chair chamber, he said "it was as if I finally put down this sack of bricks I had been carrying my whole life".

The New York Times

On one occasion, he was cleaning the flue using a sack of bricks tied to a rope when the sack ripped open, breaking several lead pipes and flooding his mother's kitchen.

Wikipedia

You just need to readjust your role and probably give yourself a new title and the two of you will be just fine". His words hit me like a sack of bricks.

HuffPost

Keep telling yourself you can do it, don't let guilty feelings get to you, guilt is a sack of bricks, all you have to do is set it down.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While Hamas rocket builders and bomb-makers can smuggle everything they need through the secret tunnels, international aid organizations have to account for every brick or sack of flour.

The New Yorker

A shelf of bricks; a squeaky cot.

The Guardian

Another man built totems out of bricks.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a lot of bricks.

Independent

Instead of bricks versus clicks, it's bricks meet clicks.

Harvard Business Review

Maintenance Of Bricks and Mortar Q.

The New York Times

Not out of bricks and mortar, anyway.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sack of bricks" to vividly describe a feeling of being weighed down by something, whether it's a physical object, emotional baggage, or a difficult task. It adds a layer of imagery that a more general term like "burden" might lack.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "sack of bricks" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your descriptions with other metaphors or more literal language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sack of bricks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically. Ludwig's examples show it describing both literal and figurative burdens. Its function shifts slightly when used in idioms such as "hit me like a sack of bricks", acting as an adverbial modifier to emphasize the impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sack of bricks" is a grammatically correct noun phrase, though Ludwig AI indicates it is relatively rare in usage. It serves primarily to describe something heavy or burdensome, either literally or metaphorically. While its register is generally neutral to informal, its vivid imagery makes it suitable for adding emphasis and color to writing. Related phrases include "ton of bricks" and "heavy burden", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. While not a common error, overuse of the phrase can diminish its impact, so it's best to use it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ton of bricks

A more common idiom that conveys a similar sense of impact or sudden realization.

heavy burden

Focuses on the abstract sense of a difficult or oppressive load, rather than the literal weight.

crushing weight

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the burden.

heavy load

A more general term for something that is difficult to carry, either physically or emotionally.

onerous task

Shifts the focus to a difficult or demanding job, implying a heavy responsibility.

immense pressure

Highlights the stress and strain associated with a difficult situation.

mountain of problems

Emphasizes the numerous and overwhelming nature of difficulties.

weight of the world

Implies a feeling of carrying the responsibilities and burdens of others.

considerable responsibility

Highlights the significance and potential consequences of a task.

cumbersome object

Focuses on the awkwardness and difficulty in handling something.

FAQs

How can I use "sack of bricks" in a sentence?

You can use "sack of bricks" to describe a heavy physical weight, like "Carrying that furniture felt like carrying a "sack of bricks"". It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional burdens or difficult tasks.

What does it mean when someone says something hit me like a "sack of bricks"?

This idiom means that something was a sudden and shocking realization. It implies that the news or information was unexpected and had a strong impact.

Are there any alternatives to the phrase "sack of bricks"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "ton of bricks", "heavy burden", or "crushing weight" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "sack of bricks" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sack of bricks" is somewhat informal and metaphorical. In formal writing, consider using a more precise and literal term to describe weight or burden, unless you are intentionally using figurative language for effect.