If you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, you suffer because you feel you have too many problems or responsibilities. He was only 18 but he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. You look as if you're carrying the weight of the world on those lovely shoulders. Note: Other verbs, such as have are sometimes used instead of carry. His body language suggests he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Note: You can also say that someone looks as if the weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders, when they suddenly stop looking worried and look happy. I told him the good news and he looked as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Note: This expression may be a reference to Atlas, a giant in Greek mythology, who was punished by Zeus by being made to carry the heavens on his shoulders, and who is often portrayed with the world on his back.