Millstone (Noun)

Meaning ¹

Any load that is difficult to carry.

Classification

Nouns denoting man-made objects.

Examples

• The additional responsibilities at work have been a millstone around her neck, leaving her feeling drained and overwhelmed.
• His debt problems have become a millstone that he can't seem to shake off no matter how hard he tries.
• For many students, the pressure to maintain high grades is a constant millstone that weighs heavily on their minds.
• The expense of maintaining the old family mansion has been a millstone for the family, forcing them to cut back on other expenses.
• His failing business has been a millstone that has left him struggling to keep up with the competition.

Hypernyms

• Loading
• Burden

Meaning ²

(figurative) something that hinders or handicaps; "she was an albatross around his neck".

Classification

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.

Examples

• The large monthly payments on her new car turned out to be a constant millstone around her neck.
• Her poor English skills were a millstone that hindered her from advancing in the company.
• For years, his debt was a millstone that weighed heavily on his finances and prevented him from saving money.
• The lack of necessary funds was a millstone that made it difficult for the team to complete their project on time.
• The outdated equipment was a millstone that dragged down the factory's productivity and overall efficiency.

Synonyms

• Albatross

Hypernyms

• Baulk
• Check
• Handicap
• Hindrance
• Deterrent
• Balk
• Impediment

Meaning ³

One of a pair of heavy flat disk-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind the grain.

Classification

Nouns denoting man-made objects.

Examples

• The old mill relied on a millstone to grind wheat into flour for the local villagers.
• A millstone was carefully positioned to avoid damaging the valuable grain during the grinding process.
• As she turned the handle, she watched the rotating millstone crush the grains into a fine powder.
• Unfortunately, the worn-out millstone greatly reduced the efficiency of the entire milling operation.
• In the ancient village, two large stones were used as a primitive millstone to prepare meals for the community.