The phrase "bears brunt of" is commonly used to describe someone or something that is bearing the main burden or suffering the most in a particular situation. The spelling of "brunt" is pronounced as /brʌnt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word originates from the Old Norse word "bruni" which means "a burning" or "a brand." Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to encompass the idea of experiencing the full force or impact of something, such as the brunt of a storm or a particular situation.
The phrase "bears brunt of" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of enduring the main impact, force, or burden of a particular situation, problem, or consequence. It is often used to highlight the person, group, or entity that faces the most significant or severe consequences as a result of an event or circumstance.
When someone "bears the brunt of" something, they are typically at the forefront or center of the undesirable experience, often experiencing the greatest hardship, pain, or loss. This person or group stands to suffer the most, enduring the full weight or force of the situation, while others may be somewhat shielded from it.
The phrase can be understood metaphorically, portraying the affected individual or entity as bearing the weight of a heavy blow, attack, or responsibility. This burden tends to have negative connotations and implies a hardship that goes beyond what others may have to face.
Furthermore, "bears brunt of" suggests an imbalance in the distribution of consequences, with one party shouldering a disproportionate share of the negative effects. This phrase is commonly used in contexts such as conflicts, disasters, economic downturns, or any scenario where the negative impact is unequally distributed, and one party is left to endure the majority of the repercussions.