15 Idioms related to human shoulder

Posted by Olympiad Tester on Dec 31, 2023

1. A chip on the shoulder

Meaning: To harbor resentment or a grudge; to be easily offended or ready for a confrontation.
Sentence Usage 1: He always carries a chip on his shoulder, making it challenging to have a peaceful conversation.
Sentence Usage 2: Carrying a chip on your shoulder can hinder personal growth and relationships.

2. Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning: To intentionally ignore or snub someone; to treat someone with indifference or unfriendliness.
Sentence Usage 1: After the argument, she decided to give him the cold shoulder for a while.
Sentence Usage 2: It's not polite to give someone the cold shoulder without explaining the reason.

3. Old head on young shoulders

Meaning: A young person who displays maturity and wisdom beyond their years.
Sentence Usage 1: Despite her age, she has an old head on young shoulders and handles responsibilities well.
Sentence Usage 2: Being an old head on young shoulders can sometimes lead to feeling isolated from peers.

4. Put your shoulder to the wheel

Meaning: To exert effort and work hard; to contribute actively to a task or project.
Sentence Usage 1: If we all put our shoulders to the wheel, we can complete the project ahead of schedule.
Sentence Usage 2: It's essential for everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel to achieve success.

5. Rub shoulders

Meaning: To associate or interact closely with influential or important people.
Sentence Usage 1: Attending the conference provides an opportunity to rub shoulders with industry leaders.
Sentence Usage 2: Networking events are excellent places to rub shoulders and build valuable connections.

6. Shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Someone who provides emotional support and comfort during difficult times.
Sentence Usage 1: She has always been my shoulder to cry on, offering support whenever I needed it.
Sentence Usage 2: It's essential to have a friend who can be a shoulder to cry on during challenging moments.

7. Shoulder surfing

Meaning: Secretly observing someone, typically to gain access to sensitive or confidential information.
Sentence Usage 1: Be cautious in public places to avoid shoulder surfing and protect your privacy.
Sentence Usage 2: Implementing screen privacy filters can prevent shoulder surfing in crowded spaces.

8. Chip off the old shoulder

Meaning: A person who inherits certain negative traits or behaviors from their family.
Sentence Usage 1: He's a chip off the old shoulder, always reacting aggressively just like his father.
Sentence Usage 2: Sometimes, being a chip off the old shoulder can be a result of learned behavior from one's environment.

9. Shoulder the blame

Meaning: To accept responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Sentence Usage 1: Rather than pointing fingers, it's better to shoulder the blame and work on solutions.
Sentence Usage 2: A leader should be willing to shoulder the blame when the team faces challenges.

10. Stand on the shoulders of giants

Meaning: Building upon the achievements or knowledge of those who came before.
Sentence Usage 1: Innovators often stand on the shoulders of giants, benefiting from the progress made by their predecessors.
Sentence Usage 2: Our understanding of science and technology has advanced because we stand on the shoulders of giants.

11. A cold shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Unsupportive or unsympathetic when someone seeks comfort or support.
Sentence Usage 1: Instead of offering help, he gave her a cold shoulder to cry on during her tough times.
Sentence Usage 2: It's disappointing to receive a cold shoulder when you expect empathy from a friend.

12. Hit someone below the shoulder

Meaning: To deliver a low blow or attack someone's character or integrity.
Sentence Usage 1: It's not fair to hit someone below the shoulder, especially during a debate or discussion.
Sentence Usage 2: Professional disagreements should focus on ideas and not involve hitting below the shoulder.

13. Shoulder to the wheel

Meaning: Willingness to work hard and contribute to a collective effort or task.
Sentence Usage 1: Everyone needs to put their shoulder to the wheel to ensure the success of the project.
Sentence Usage 2: Success is achieved when everyone in the team puts their shoulder to the wheel.

14. Shoulder the load

Meaning: To bear the responsibility or burden of a particular task or situation.
Sentence Usage 1: Leaders must be willing to shoulder the load and guide their team through challenges.
Sentence Usage 2: It's essential for everyone in the organization to shoulder the load and contribute to its success.

15. Shoulder the cost

Meaning: To bear the financial responsibility or expenses of a particular endeavor.
Sentence Usage 1: If we collaborate, we can shoulder the cost of organizing the event without much difficulty