put a strain on (someone or something)

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.

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.
See also:
  • stick out against
  • stick out against (something)
  • a track record
  • on present form
  • a nail in somebody's/something's coffin
  • a ragged colt may make a good horse
  • colt
  • ragged
  • read (someone or something) as (someone or something)
  • read as