English Idioms from A-Z

Albatross Around One’S Neck

The idiom "albatross around one's neck" refers to a heavy burden or a constant problem that someone has to deal with. It comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," in which the sailor shoots an albatross, which is considered a bad omen, and then has to wear its carcass around his neck as punishment.

In everyday language, we use this phrase to describe a situation where someone has a problem or responsibility that they cannot escape from, and which is causing them a lot of stress or difficulty. For example, a student who has failed a class multiple times might feel like their poor academic record is an albatross around their neck, or a person who has a lot of debt might feel like their financial situation is an albatross around their neck.

Overall, the idiom "albatross around one's neck" is used to describe a heavy burden or a persistent problem that someone has to deal with, and which is causing them a lot of stress or difficulty.


The usage of the idiom 'Albatross Around One’S Neck' in a sentence

• Her student debt was like an albatross around her neck, preventing her from pursuing her dream job.

• The company's poor reputation was an albatross around their neck, hindering their ability to attract new clients.

• The weight of his past mistakes was an albatross around his neck, and he couldn't escape the guilt that came with them.

• My little brother is always an albatross around my neck when I’m trying to finish my homework.

• His addiction had become an albatross around his neck, causing him to lose his job, family, and friends.

• He had to face the albatross around his neck and confess that he was responsible for the project’s failure.

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