How to Memorize

carry your weight/a lot of weight/dead weight

Analysis

If you 'carry weight' it means you have influence or the power to decide; as well as having significant implications for something. This phrase can be used to describe a person: "You'll have to talk to Fiona about that decision. She's the one whose opinion carries the most weight around here." It can also refer to a good point made in an argument or discussion: "Your statistics carry a lot of weight in this discussion." "I fear your research won't carry much weight when it comes to the scrutiny of the panel." This is a phrasal verb you are more likely to hear in professional situations. (Note: this expression can also sometimes be used to talk about someone's physical weight, e.g. "He is carrying a lot of weight for his age.") 

Social Examples (Basic)

1. With all Alice's work and family commitments, she is so weighed down with responsibilities that she sometimes feels as though she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
2. My mother is a matriarch her opinions carry the most weight in our family.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. Claire is a highly experienced and respected figure within the company. As such, she carries a lot of weight in the boardroom, where her opinion is valued highly. 
2. I agree with you, but at the end of the day, it is Carrie you need to convince. Her decision on the topiccarries the most weight.

Professional Examples (Advance)

1. This business cannot afford to carry any dead weight. We need to make sure that each member of staff pulls their own weight and is capable of delivering the service our customers require.

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