millstone

American  

[mil-stohn] / ˈmɪlˌstoʊn /

noun

1. either of a pair of circular stones between which grain or another substance is ground, as in a mill.

2. anything that grinds or crushes.

3. any heavy mental or emotional burden (often used in the phrasea millstone around one's neck ).

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millstone British  

/ ˈmɪlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. one of a pair of heavy flat disc-shaped stones that are rotated one against the other to grind grain

2. a heavy burden, such as a responsibility or obligation

   his debts were a millstone round his neck

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Etymology

Origin of millstone

before 1050; Middle English milneston, Old English mylenstān. See mill ¹, stone

Example Sentences

But climates shift, and while “invented heritage” can act as a powerful anchor, it can also be a millstone, an obstacle to necessary, large-scale changes.

From Salon

If he did so, his quotes against divorce would be an online millstone around his neck.

From Salon

“As the only sector to record a negative return in Q3, staples was the proverbial millstone around quality’s neck.”

From Barron's

The growth of shorter formats, and especially T20, has played a part and for some national boards Test cricket is seen as a financial millstone amid poor attendances and declining interest.

From BBC

Jayne is one of an estimated one in 20 people in the UK thought to have a hoarding disorder, and is trying a new technique to release the "millstone" around her neck.

From BBC

Related Words

• burden