Albatross around one's neck meaning

Having an albatross around one's neck refers to a burden or curse that one carries with them.


Albatross around one's neck definitions

Word backwards ssortabla dnuora s'eno kcen
Part of speech In this phrase, "albatross around one's neck," the word "albatross" is a noun.
Syllabic division al-ba-tross a-round one's neck
Plural The plural of the phrase "albatross around one's neck" would be "albatrosses around one's neck."
Total letters 23
Vogais (4) a,o,u,e
Consonants (9) l,b,t,r,s,n,d,c,k

Carrying an albatross around one's neck is a metaphor that signifies a heavy burden or obstacle that an individual has to bear. The phrase originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where the mariner is forced to wear the carcass of an albatross around his neck as punishment for killing the bird.

Symbolism of the Albatross

The albatross in this context symbolizes guilt, sin, or a past mistake that haunts the individual and affects their present circumstances. It represents a burden that weighs heavily on one's conscience and hinders their progress or peace of mind.

Impact on Mental Health

Hauling an albatross around one's neck can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to feelings of remorse, shame, and self-blame. The constant reminder of past errors can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, making it challenging for individuals to move forward.

Overcoming the Burden

To free oneself from the albatross around their neck, individuals must confront their past actions, seek forgiveness if necessary, and work towards self-compassion and acceptance. Therapy, self-reflection, and forgiveness practices can help individuals release themselves from the weight of their past mistakes.

Just like the mariner in Coleridge's poem eventually finds redemption and peace after understanding the significance of the albatross, individuals can also navigate their way towards healing and liberation from their burdens. By acknowledging the past, learning from it, and making amends, one can gradually lighten the load of the albatross and pave the way for a brighter future.


Albatross around one's neck Examples

  1. Carrying the weight of a failed business venture like an albatross around his neck.
  2. Her student loan debt felt like an albatross around her neck.
  3. The scandal acted as an albatross around the company's neck for years.
  4. Being constantly reminded of his past mistakes was an albatross around his neck.
  5. The unresolved conflict with his family was like an albatross around his neck.
  6. The weight of her secret addiction was an albatross around her neck.
  7. His fear of failure was an albatross around his neck, holding him back in life.
  8. The guilt of betraying his friend was an albatross around his neck.
  9. The burden of expectations from his family felt like an albatross around his neck.
  10. The constant need to please others became an albatross around her neck.


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  • Updated 22/04/2024 - 21:34:34