millstone

• Nom désignant une lourde pierre servant à moudre le grain, ou, au sens figuré, un fardeau ou une responsabilité difficile à porter qui entrave le progrès.

A noun referring to a heavy stone used for grinding grain, or figuratively, a burden or responsibility that is difficult to bear and hinders progress.

1. Grinding stoneB2formal

   One of a pair of large, flat, circular stones used for grinding grain, such as wheat or corn, into flour.

   meule de moulin

   • The miller turned the heavy millstone by hand.
   • The old mill still has its original millstones.
   • Grain was crushed between two rotating millstones.

   Synonymesgrindstone

2. Heavy burdenC1formal

   A figurative heavy load or responsibility that is difficult to bear or carry.

   Fardeau, poids écrasant

   • The debt became a millstone around his neck.
   • Her past mistakes were a millstone she could not escape.
   • The failing project was a millstone for the entire team.

   Synonymesafflictionalbatrossburdencrossencumbranceincubusliabilityweight

3. Hindrance or obstacleC1formal

   Something that prevents progress or success; a handicap or impediment.

   Obstacle, fardeau

   • Outdated regulations are a millstone to innovation.
   • His lack of education was a millstone in his career.
   • The company's old reputation became a millstone for its new products.

   Synonymesalbatrossburdendead weightdragencumbrancehandicaphindranceimpedimentloadobstacle

   Antonymesadvantageaidassetboonhelp