IdiomBody & Senses
Polish
Polishwziąć na barki
Meaning: To assume responsibility for something or take on a burden.
Literally: To take on the shoulders
Example: “Po śmierci ojca wzięła na barki całą firmę.” — After her father died, she shouldered the burden of the whole company.
English equivalent: To shoulder the burden
Equivalents in other languages
English: shoulder the burden
Origin: Barki are the shoulders, where heavy loads were carried. Taking something on one's shoulders is taking on a burden or a responsibility. No particular story lies behind it.
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