more than one can bear

more than (one) can bear

More unpleasant, painful, or offensive to the senses than one is able to tolerate. Sometimes used humorously or ironically. I'm sorry, but the stress of this job is more than I can bear. The ugliness of politics is more unpleasant than most people can bear. These reality TV shows are more awkward and embarrassing than my girlfriend can bear.

See also: bear, can, more

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

more than one can bear

 and more than one can take; more than one can stand

more of something, such as trouble or something bad, than a person can endure. This tragic news is more than I can bear! I've heard enough of this horrid music. It's more than I can stand.

See also: bear, can, more, one

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