PhrasesHub

A millstone around one's neck

    Definitions

      • burden or hindrance
        To describe a heavy and burdensome responsibility or problem that is causing difficulties and making progress difficult

      • something that is weighing someone down
        To refer to a person, situation, or object that is causing stress, worry, or distress and is preventing them from moving forward or achieving their goals

      • an inescapable obligation
        To convey a sense of being trapped or unable to escape from a difficult situation or commitment that is weighing heavily on someone

    Examples of A millstone around one's neck

    • The overwhelming workload at my new job has become a millstone around my neck.

      This idiom is used to describe a burden or obstacle that is so heavy and cumbersome that it feels like a weight around one's neck, making it difficult to move or breathe. In this example, the speaker is saying that their job has become such a burden that it feels like a millstone, making it difficult for them to cope and succeed.A wolf in sheep's clothing

    • My friend's new boyfriend seems like a kind and gentle person, but I suspect he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who appears harmless or innocent on the surface, but in reality, is cunning, deceitful, or dangerous. In this example, the speaker is saying that their friend's new boyfriend may appear friendly and trustworthy, but they suspect that he is actually a manipulative and dangerous person.Pulling someone's leg

    • My brother was pulling my leg when he told me he saw a UFO last night.

      This idiom is used to describe a joke or prank that is so convincing and amusing that it feels like someone is physically pulling your leg. In this example, the speaker is saying that their brother was joking with them about seeing a UFO, and they found it so amusing that it felt like their brother was physically pulling their leg.A slippery slope

    • If we allow this small exception, it could lead us down a slippery slope.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation that seems harmless or insignificant at first, but has the potential to lead to more serious or negative consequences. In this example, the speaker is saying that if they allow a small exception, it could lead to a more serious or negative situation, like sliding down a slippery slope.Kick the bucket

    • My grandfather kicked the bucket last night.

      This idiom is used to describe the act of dying, although it is considered somewhat taboo or crude in modern English. In this example, the speaker is saying that their grandfather has died, using the expression "kicked the bucket" to describe the act of dying.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a millstone around one's neck" is commonly used to describe a heavy burden or hindrance that is causing difficulties in one's life. It can refer to a physical object, such as an actual millstone used for grinding grain, or a metaphorical weight that is weighing someone down. The idiom is often used to convey a sense of being trapped or unable to escape from a difficult situation or obligation.

    This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, work, or financial matters. For example, someone might say "My debt is like a millstone around my neck, I can't seem to get rid of it." This conveys the idea that the debt is causing constant stress and worry, making it difficult for the person to move forward in their life.

    Origin of "A millstone around one's neck"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. In the book of Matthew, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the consequences of causing harm to others, saying "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This passage is often interpreted as a metaphor for the consequences of leading others astray and bearing a heavy burden of guilt.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to be used in a more general sense, describing any kind of heavy burden or hindrance. It has become a popular phrase in English literature and is still commonly used today.