put a strain on

put a strain on (someone or something)

To place an undue or overwhelming burden on someone's or something's resources or ability to cope. I know my brother's illness has really been putting a strain on our parents. The financial crisis placed a huge strain on the Department of Social Welfare in particular.

See also: on, put, strain

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put a strain on someone or something

to burden or overload someone or something. All this bad economic news puts a strain on everyone's nerves. The epidemic put a strain on the resources of the hospital.

See also: on, put, strain

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.