millstone Definition
- 1either of a pair of large, circular, flat stones used for grinding grain
- 2a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to bear
Using millstone: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "millstone" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The millstone ground the wheat into flour.
Example
The responsibility of being a CEO can be a millstone around one's neck.
Example
The debt was a millstone that he carried for years.
millstone Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with millstone
Example
The guilt of his past mistakes hung around his neck like a millstone.
Example
The company's financial troubles were a millstone around the CEO's neck.
Example
The negative publicity was grist for the mill for the tabloids.
Origins of millstone
from Old English 'mylenstan', from 'mylen' meaning 'mill' and 'stan' meaning 'stone'
Summary: millstone in Brief
A 'millstone' [mil-stohn] is a pair of large, flat, circular stones used for grinding grain. It also refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to bear, such as debt or guilt. The phrase 'around someone's neck like a millstone' describes a heavy burden that someone has to carry, while 'millstone around the neck' refers to a heavy burden or responsibility. 'Grist for the mill' means something that can be used to advantage.
