Responsibility is a crucial aspect of life that reflects one’s ability to be accountable and dependable. Understanding idioms that describe responsibility can enhance your communication skills and help you express the concept more effectively. Here are 20 idioms related to responsibility, each with a brief meaning and an example sentence.
Idioms That Describe Responsibility
1. Carry the weight of the world
Meaning: To feel overwhelmed by many responsibilities.
Example: She felt like she carried the weight of the world.
2. The buck stops here
Meaning: Taking full responsibility for something.
Example: As the manager, the buck stops here.
3. Shoulder the burden
Meaning: To take on a heavy responsibility.
Example: He had to shoulder the burden alone.
4. In the driver’s seat
Meaning: Being in control and responsible for a situation.
Example: She’s in the driver’s seat for this project.
5. Take the helm
Meaning: To take control or assume responsibility.
Example: After the merger, he took the helm.
6. Own up to something
Meaning: To admit and take responsibility for a mistake.
Example: He owned up to his error at work.
7. Step up to the plate
Meaning: To take responsibility when needed.
Example: She stepped up to the plate during the crisis.
8. Pass the torch
Meaning: To hand over responsibility to someone else.
Example: He passed the torch to the next leader.
9. On your shoulders
Meaning: Having the responsibility to deal with something.
Example: The decision rests on your shoulders.
10. At the helm
Meaning: In charge or in control of something.
Example: He’s at the helm of the new initiative.
11. Carry the can
Meaning: To take the blame or responsibility.
Example: She was left to carry the can for the mistake.
12. Answer for something
Meaning: To be responsible for something.
Example: He had to answer for the missing funds.
13. Take the fall
Meaning: To accept blame or responsibility.
Example: He took the fall for the team’s failure.
14. Hold the fort
Meaning: To be responsible while others are away.
Example: Can you hold the fort while I’m gone?
15. Lead the charge
Meaning: To take the initiative and responsibility in an effort.
Example: She led the charge to improve company policies.
16. Bear the brunt
Meaning: To endure the main force or impact of something.
Example: He bore the brunt of the team’s failure.
17. Wear many hats
Meaning: To have multiple roles and responsibilities.
Example: As a small business owner, she wears many hats.
18. Call the shots
Meaning: To make decisions and be responsible for outcomes.
Example: He’s the one who calls the shots in the office.
19. Be at the wheel
Meaning: To be in control or responsible.
Example: She’s at the wheel of the new project.
20. Rise to the occasion
Meaning: To take on a responsibility effectively when needed.
Example: He always rises to the occasion during crises.
