beast of burden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “beast of burden” mean?
An animal used for carrying heavy loads or performing arduous physical labour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An animal used for carrying heavy loads or performing arduous physical labour.
A person who carries a heavy workload or responsibility, often without proper appreciation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Both share the literal and figurative meanings. Slightly more common in British English in historical/literary contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. Used more in writing, historical discussion, or as a deliberate metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “beast of burden” in a Sentence
[Person/Animal] served as a beast of burden for [entity].[Entity] used/treated [person/animal] as a beast of burden.Like a beast of burden, [subject]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used figuratively in critiques of exploitative workplace culture: 'Junior staff are treated as beasts of burden.'
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or agricultural studies to describe pre-industrial animal labour.
Everyday
Very rare in literal sense. Figurative use possible to complain about being overworked: 'I'm not your beast of burden!'
Technical
Used in zoology, animal husbandry, and history to classify animals used for transport or labour (e.g., equids, bovines).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beast of burden”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beast of burden”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beast of burden”
- Using it to refer to a person without the connotation of exploitation/hard labour. *'The manager is the beast of burden of the company.' (Incorrect if the manager is in charge).
- Confusing it with 'burden of proof'.
- Using it for machines (e.g., a truck is not a beast of burden).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a strong figurative use. It describes a person who is made to work extremely hard, often without thanks or proper reward, comparing them to an exploited animal.
Historically and globally: donkeys, mules, oxen, horses, camels, elephants, llamas, and yaks. The specific animal depends on the region and culture.
The literal term for an animal is neutral and descriptive. Applying it to a person is highly pejorative and critical of the situation, implying exploitation and lack of respect. It should be used carefully.
They are close synonyms. 'Beast of burden' has a stronger historical/literal core and can sound more literary or harsh. 'Workhorse' is more common in modern figurative use for people or machines and can have a slightly more positive connotation of reliability.
An animal used for carrying heavy loads or performing arduous physical labour.
Beast of burden is usually formal, literary, figurative in register.
Beast of burden: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbiːst əv ˈbɜː.dən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbiːst əv ˈbɝː.dən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “treated like a pack mule”
- “carry the load”
- “shoulder the burden”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BURDEN (a heavy load) being carried by a BEAST (an animal like an ox). The phrase pictures the animal's role.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS (specifically, exploited working animals). LIFE/ WORK IS A BURDEN TO BE CARRIED.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, calling someone a 'beast of burden' implies they are: