"Bear the brunt" is a common phrase used to describe the experience of facing the full force of something negative. The phrase suggests that someone is being made to carry the majority of the burden or the impact of a problem or issue. Synonyms for this phrase include "endure the worst of," "suffer the consequences of," "face the full impact," "take the heat," "absorb the shock," "take the weight," "carry the load," and "shoulder the responsibility." Regardless of the wording used, these synonyms all convey the idea of being the primary target or recipient of something difficult, challenging, or punishing.