crack under the strain

crack under the strain

To submit to the stress of a particular situation; to stop functioning due to the pressure. If you keep pushing your employees so hard, they'll eventually crack under the strain.
See also: crack, strain
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

crack under the strain

Fig. to have a mental or emotional collapse because of continued work or stress. He worked 80-hour weeks for a month and finally cracked under the strain.
See also: crack, strain
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • be under control
  • under control
  • quit on
  • quit on (one)
  • get out of sync (with someone or something)
  • be out of sync (with someone or something)
  • hold (down) the fort
  • hold the fort
  • flame out
  • give (one) a heart attack
References in periodicals archive
It's understandable that these people might crack under the strain of the emotional turmoil that Darren wreaks on his new neighbors.
Book review: Love your neighbor? Not in Louise Candlish's novel -BYLN- By Oline H. Cogdill Associated Press
We loved the image of Bailey's Night Club owner Ken Timms who hosted an Easter egg evening at the Stockton club in 1977 which included an egg eating competition - but did he crack under the strain, we wonder?
We looked in our archive... and it was chocca! HAPPY EASTER
Federer looked about to crack under the strain when Nadal twice had chances to break serve in the fifth set but rediscovered his magic just in time.
FED'S GR8 RECORD IN SW19
ALAN STUBBS insists golfing superstar Jordan Spieth's Masters meltdown is proof even the best can crack under the strain of the closing straight.
SUNSHINE ON SPIETH; HIBEEs won't blow up like golfer Jordan says Stubbs hibs v falkirk
Ember Mae fears she'll crack under the strain and bring their world crashing down around them.
Bound By Blood And Brimstone
or write 48, Old Liverpool He predicted the Con-Lib coalition would crack under the strain, rather than last five years, pointing to yesterday's embarrassment, when Nick Clegg - to Tory horror - called the Iraq invasion "illegal".
Miliband unveils plan to win back business
And many are tipping the Irish to crack under the strain and miss out on glory, while coach Kidney has himself been trying to dampen down talk of a Slam.
Gung-ho Gaffney wants to attack
I just want to see us get right at Sunderland from the first whistle, and give them so much to handle that, even if they manage for a while, they crack under the strain The fans at Liverpool deserve that from their team now.
Reds fans need to see a passion play; Anfield stars can help lift the mood of gloom
SALTIRES coach Peter Drinnen admits he'll need to cure his side's jitters before they crack under the strain of the big occasion.
Cricket: PETER: WE NEED TO HOLD NERVE; SPORTSFILE
The end result could put more financial burdens on the council if carers crack under the strain.
Viewpoints Cutbacks will hit elderly
AMIR KHAN has vowed he won't crack under the strain of being Britain's brightest boxing hope.
Boxing: I'M COOL, KHAN AND COLLECTED
As the big day approaches, all start to crack under the strain. Matt--who's a variant on the "decent bloke" type Freeman played in U.K.
Confetti
The constant stream of HGVs entering the site is destroying local pavements on Aston Lane and Brookvale Road as they crack under the strain of the heavy loads.
Row over Hub distribution complex
Manchester United captain Roy Keane is determined to keep the heat on Chelsea in the hope they might crack under the strain. Jose Mourinho's league leaders are in unchartered waters in an attempt to deliver the title to Stamford Bridge for the first time in 50 years.
Keane wants United to keep up pressure
Harry's wife and son have to step in and take control as he starts to crack under the strain.
The Box: We came close to being goners; She's Gone ITV1, 9pm, Sunday