albatross around one’s neck, an
Definition: A burden or curse. This phrase’s figurative roots spring from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s narrative poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1798). In the poem, a young sailor who shoots an albatross—believed to be an extremely unlucky act—is punished by having the dead bird slung around his neck.
🚢✒️ “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is like an 18th-century epic fail blog post, full of cautionary tales!
Related Terms:
- Carrying a weight on one’s shoulders
- Ball and chain
- Cross to bear
Synonyms:
- Burden
- Encumbrance
- Millstone
Antonyms:
- Blessing
- Gift
- Glee
Humor-Filled Quotes: “If life gives you lemons, don’t fret. If it gives you an albatross, well, good luck with that.” — Anonymous wise-guy
Proverbs: “He who shoots albatrosses decides to pack a heavier travel load.”
Literature References:
- Classic, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge—where it all began!
- Modern Spin, “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel—no albatross, but a heavy tiger burden isn’t light luggage either.
Songs:
- 🎵 “Hotel California” by Eagles—“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
Movies:
- 🎬 Cast Away (2000)—Tom Hanks’ burden, though more volleyball-shaped.
Until next time, here’s to dodging metaphorical birds drifting towards your shoulders. Carry your burdens like a lively backpack, not an eternal millstone.
Albatross-Hopeful Sentiment,
Penelope Quip
