millstone

noun

mill·​stone ˈmil-ˌstōn 

1

: either of two circular stones used for grinding something (such as grain)

2

a

: something that grinds or crushes

b

: a heavy burden

Examples of millstone in a Sentence

College loans can quickly become a millstone for students.

The scandal has become a political millstone.

The scandal has been a millstone around her neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

The border has long seemed a political millstone for Democrats, a place where the party splinters on policy and the results are out of step with broad public opinion. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2024

Finally, Griffiths will need to address Resolution 2216, which has been a millstone around his predecessor’s neck. —Peter Salisbury, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2018

But as those costs continue to mount, Crimea—for all of its symbolic value—is rapidly becoming a practical millstone for the Russian state. —Ilan Berman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2015

Teachers, librarians, drag queens — all perceived as introducing dangerous ideas to children — are condemned to drowning with millstones around their necks, a la Matthew 18:6. —Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 13 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

millstone

noun

mill·​stone -ˌstōn 

1

: either of two circular stones used for grinding a substance (as grain)

2

: a heavy burden