Meaning
To get rid of a great responsibility, burden, or problem, often onto someone else.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Amana' (trust/responsibility) is central. Carrying a load is often seen as a moral duty. Throwing it off is only acceptable when the duty is fulfilled. In Egyptian dialect, you might hear 'انزاح جبل من على كتفي' (A mountain moved from my shoulder), which is a more hyperbolic version of this idiom. Levantine speakers often use 'شال هم' (He removed a worry). While 'Ramā' is understood, 'Shāl' (lifted/carried) is more common in daily speech. In the Gulf, where business and tribal leadership are highly valued, this phrase is often used in the context of 'Taklīf' (official assignment).
Use with 'Kāhil'
To sound like a C1 speaker, always add '‘an kāhilihi' (عن كاهله). It completes the mental image.
Don't use for people
Never say 'I threw a heavy person' using this idiom. It only applies to abstract burdens.
Meaning
To get rid of a great responsibility, burden, or problem, often onto someone else.
Use with 'Kāhil'
To sound like a C1 speaker, always add '‘an kāhilihi' (عن كاهله). It completes the mental image.
Don't use for people
Never say 'I threw a heavy person' using this idiom. It only applies to abstract burdens.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
بعد أن انتهى من كتابة روايته، شعر الكاتب أنه رمى حملاً _______ عن كاهله.
The idiom specifically uses 'ثقيلاً' (heavy) to emphasize the magnitude of the relief.
Which situation best fits the use of 'رمى حملاً ثقيلاً'?
اختر الموقف المناسب:
Paying off a 10-year loan is a significant, long-term burden, making it perfect for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
أحمد: كيف حالك بعد الاستقالة؟ خالد: أنا بخير، أشعر أنني _______ حملاً ثقيلاً عن كاهلي.
The speaker (Khaled) is talking about himself, so the first-person singular past tense 'رميتُ' is required.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English equivalent.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
These are the core components of the idiom and their translations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبعد أن انتهى من كتابة روايته، شعر الكاتب أنه رمى حملاً _______ عن كاهله.
The idiom specifically uses 'ثقيلاً' (heavy) to emphasize the magnitude of the relief.
اختر الموقف المناسب:
Paying off a 10-year loan is a significant, long-term burden, making it perfect for this idiom.
أحمد: كيف حالك بعد الاستقالة؟ خالد: أنا بخير، أشعر أنني _______ حملاً ثقيلاً عن كاهلي.
The speaker (Khaled) is talking about himself, so the first-person singular past tense 'رميتُ' is required.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the idiom and their translations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but usually in a slightly modified form. In dialects, people prefer 'شال' (shāl) or 'خلص من' (khalaṣ min), but they will understand the MSA version perfectly.
No, it's almost always for something stressful or difficult. You wouldn't 'throw a heavy load' of winning the lottery.
رموا أحمالاً ثقيلة (They threw heavy loads). The noun 'ḥaml' becomes 'aḥmāl'.
Not necessarily. It expresses your personal relief. However, saying it *to* your boss might imply you hated the job.
Related Phrases
ألقى المسؤولية على غيره
similarTo shift the responsibility onto someone else.
وضع أوزاره
specialized formTo lay down the burdens of war.
خفف العبء
builds onTo lighten the burden.
على كاهله
builds onOn his shoulders / His responsibility.
