albatross around one's neck

[albatross around one's neck] {n. phr.}, {literary}

Guilt, the haunting past, an unforgettable problem.

/Even though it was an accident, John's father's death has been an albatross around John's neck./

Compare: MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK.

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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	monkey on one's back [monkey on one's back] {n. phr.}, {informal} An unsolved or nagging problem. * /"My math ... A Dictionary of American Idioms neck [neck] See: BREATHE DOWN ONE'S NECK, BREAK ONE'S NECK, CATCH IT IN THE NECK or ... A Dictionary of American Idioms millstone around one's neck [millstone around one's neck] {n. phr.} An intolerable burden. * /Max said that his old ... A Dictionary of American Idioms break one's neck [break one's neck] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do all you possibly can; try your hardest. ... A Dictionary of American Idioms up to one's neck [up to one's neck] {adv. phr.} Overwhelmed with; submerged in. * /"During the summer season ... A Dictionary of American Idioms breathe down one's neck [breathe down one's neck] {v. phr.}, {informal} To follow closely; threaten from behind; watch every ... A Dictionary of American Idioms neck and neck [neck and neck] {adj. or adv.}, {informal} Equal or nearly equal in a race or ... A Dictionary of American Idioms