上有老下有小

上有老下有小

Literally means:

have both parents and young children to support and take care of

Actually means:

老, old people; 小, children.

This phrase means one has both parents and young children to support and take care of, so he has to shoulder very heavy family responsibilities.

老，老人。小，小孩。

形容既要赡养老人，又要养育孩子，家庭的负担重，责任大。