under (a/the) strain
phrase
: having to do too much, dealing with a difficult problem, etc.
She has been under (a lot of) strain lately.
He is holding up under the strain.
He cracked/collapsed/buckled under the strain.
Cite this Entry
“Under (a/the) strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20%28a%2Fthe%29%20strain. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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