put a strain on — to cause stress, pressure, or difficulty for someone or something; to overburden or test the limits of
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to cause stress, pressure, or difficulty for someone or something; to overburden or test the limits of
Pronunciation (IPA): /pʊt ə streɪn ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- Ordering 20 pizzas for lunch put a strain on the office microwave - it filed for early retirement!
- The pandemic put a strain on healthcare systems worldwide.
- Working two jobs is putting a strain on my social life and my Netflix subscription feels abandoned.
put a strain on
VERB[/pʊt ə streɪn ɑːn/]
to cause stress, pressure, or difficulty for someone or something; to overburden or test the limits of
Working three jobs really put a strain on her health and family time.
Deadlines put a strain on the brain like a speeding train!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'strain' derives from Latin 'stringere' (to tighten, pull tight), which evolved to mean tension or pressure. When combined with the verb 'put', the phrasal verb 'put a strain on' developed to mean applying pressure or stress to something.
Breakdown
put (place, apply) + strain (from Latin stringere: to tighten). The noun 'strain' means tension or pressure, forming a phrasal verb that conveys the action of imposing stress or burden.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Ordering 20 pizzas for lunch put a strain on the office microwave - it filed for early retirement!”
“The pandemic put a strain on healthcare systems worldwide.”
“Working two jobs is putting a strain on my social life and my Netflix subscription feels abandoned.”
“The new regulations put a strain on small businesses.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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