beast of burden

• Ein Nutztier wie Esel, Maultier oder Ochse, das zum Tragen schwerer Lasten oder für schwere Arbeit eingesetzt wird; metaphorisch auch für einen Menschen, der viel schwere Arbeit leistet oder große Verantwortung trägt.

A domesticated animal, such as a donkey, mule, or ox, used for carrying heavy loads or performing heavy work; also used metaphorically to describe a person who does a lot of hard work or carries heavy responsibilities.

1. Working animalB2formal

   An animal used for carrying heavy loads or performing heavy work, such as a donkey, mule, or ox.

   Lasttier

   • Donkeys have been used as beasts of burden for thousands of years.
   • The farmer relied on his oxen as beasts of burden to plow the fields.
   • In mountainous regions, llamas are often used as beasts of burden.

2. Overworked personB2informal

   A person who is forced to do a lot of hard work, often without appreciation or rest.

   Lasttier (übertr.)

   • He felt like a beast of burden, working double shifts every day.
   • She was treated as a beast of burden by her demanding boss.
   • The interns were used as beasts of burden, doing all the tedious tasks.