The phrase "weighs heavy" is commonly used to describe a situation or decision that feels burdensome or difficult. The word "weighs" is spelled with a "w" sound at the beginning, followed by a long "a" sound and a "z" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be written as /weɪz/. The word "heavy" is spelled with a "h" sound at the beginning, followed by a long "e" sound, a "v" sound, and a short "i" sound. In IPA, this would be written as /ˈhɛvi/. Together, these two words create a powerful phrase with a distinct sound.
"Weighs heavy" is a phrase that denotes a state of burden or heaviness, both in physical and metaphorical contexts. When used literally, it refers to an object or physical load that is heavy in weight and requires significant effort to carry or move. In this sense, it implies a physical strain or difficulty.
Metaphorically, "weighs heavy" expresses a profound impact or emotional burden that affects a person's mind or spirit. This burden could be linked to a range of situations, such as regrets, responsibilities, guilt, grief, or sorrows. It suggests that the weight, rather than being physical, is emotional or mental. This emotional burden can be overwhelming and may affect one's ability to think clearly or function optimally.
Furthermore, the phrase can also describe a sense of heaviness in a figurative sense, such as a weighty decision, an important responsibility, or a serious consequence. It implies that the matter at hand carries great significance and has significant implications or consequences.
Overall, "weighs heavy" encapsulates the idea of a burden or weight that is either physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It conveys the idea of something being substantial and impactful, requiring considerable effort and attention to manage or overcome.
The phrase "weighs heavy" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The word "weigh" comes from the Old English word "wégan", which means "to carry" or "to bear". The term "heavy" has the same meaning it does today, referring to something of significant weight. When combined, "weighs heavy" is used metaphorically to express a burden or a sense of deep emotional or psychological weight.