The question was quiet, but somehow I could sense behind it some intolerable strain.

Total exposure, or the fear of it, would put an intolerable strain on us.

We were, at the time, under an intolerable strain.

Relaxation from the intolerable strain of playing his part left him trembling.

Although the country's economy suffered intolerable strains as a result of the war, hardship was much greater in the public domain than the private.

Since the mid-1980's, hospitals have complained of intolerable strains.

But in the process Christianity itself was placed under almost intolerable strain.

She knew, of course, that he was under almost intolerable emotional strain.

To accept them all would place an intolerable strain on her health, but she rarely fails to help a charity.

The fund's other trustees had left and he was under an intolerable strain, working more than 12 hours a day.