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

Tags:


	Follow English as a Second Language on Twitter

	See also »
	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

	Recent updates »
	hail-fellow-well-met (2) [hail-fellow-well-met (2)] {n. phr.} A good friend and companion; buddy; pal. /John just moved to town but he and the boys ... sprout wings [sprout wings] {v. phr.} 1. To enter the stage after a period of development when wings appear (said of larvae that turn into ... Bill Gates "Microsoft Products are Generally Bug Free"