Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Sack of bricks
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"sack of bricks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It can be used as a metaphor to describe a very heavy load, especially one which is difficult to carry. For example, "Carrying those boxes up the stairs was like a sack of bricks!"
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Arriving at his death row cell, literally 10 feet from the electric-chair chamber, he said "it was as if I finally put down this sack of bricks I had been carrying my whole life".
News & Media
On one occasion, he was cleaning the flue using a sack of bricks tied to a rope when the sack ripped open, breaking several lead pipes and flooding his mother's kitchen.
Wiki
You just need to readjust your role and probably give yourself a new title and the two of you will be just fine". His words hit me like a sack of bricks.
News & Media
Keep telling yourself you can do it, don't let guilty feelings get to you, guilt is a sack of bricks, all you have to do is set it down.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
While Hamas rocket builders and bomb-makers can smuggle everything they need through the secret tunnels, international aid organizations have to account for every brick or sack of flour.
News & Media
A shelf of bricks; a squeaky cot.
News & Media
Another man built totems out of bricks.
News & Media
That's a lot of bricks.
News & Media
Instead of bricks versus clicks, it's bricks meet clicks.
News & Media
Maintenance Of Bricks and Mortar Q.
News & Media
Not out of bricks and mortar, anyway.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "sack of bricks" to vividly describe a tangible or intangible burden that feels exceptionally heavy and difficult to manage. It's most effective when conveying a sense of strain and encumbrance.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "sack of bricks" to describe minor inconveniences. Its impact lies in conveying a substantial and significant burden, not trivial annoyances. Save it for situations that truly feel overwhelming.
Linguistic Context
Noun phrase. The primary grammatical function of "sack of bricks" is to act as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, frequently functioning as a metaphor for a heavy or difficult burden.
Expression frequency: Uncommon
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
30%
Science
30%
⚠ Less common in
Academia
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "sack of bricks" functions as a noun phrase and is used to describe something heavy or burdensome, both physically and emotionally. Ludwig AI validates its use, noting its common employment as a metaphor. While grammatically sound, its informal nature suggests it is best used in casual or creative contexts rather than formal writing. Consider alternatives like "heavy burden" or "onerous task" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to express. Overall, "sack of bricks" provides a vivid, albeit somewhat informal, way to describe a significant weight or challenge.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
heavy burden
Focuses on the metaphorical weight or difficulty, omitting the literal object.
cumbersome load
Emphasizes the unwieldy and difficult-to-manage nature of the weight.
crushing weight
Highlights the oppressive and overwhelming effect of the burden.
onerous task
Shifts the focus to a difficult job or duty, rather than a physical weight.
difficult obstacle
Represents the challenge as a barrier or impediment to progress.
heavy heart
Replaces the physical weight with emotional distress or sadness.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "sack of bricks" in a sentence?
You can use "sack of bricks" to describe something that feels very heavy or burdensome, either physically or emotionally. For example, "Dealing with this legal issue feels like carrying a "sack of bricks"".
What does it mean when someone says something hit them like a "sack of bricks"?
It means they were suddenly and powerfully affected by something, usually bad news or a shocking realization. The impact is sudden and overwhelming, similar to being struck by a "sack of bricks".
What are some alternatives to saying "sack of bricks"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "heavy burden", "crushing weight", or "onerous task" to convey a similar meaning of something being difficult or overwhelming.
Is it appropriate to use "sack of bricks" in formal writing?
While grammatically correct, "sack of bricks" is somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated phrase like "significant impediment" or "substantial challenge depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested