millstone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But climates shift, and while “invented heritage” can act as a powerful anchor, it can also be a millstone, an obstacle to necessary, large-scale changes.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

“As the only sector to record a negative return in Q3, staples was the proverbial millstone around quality’s neck.”

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

"It's a real millstone - everything you are doing is subject to scrutiny," said John Reed Stark, a former chief of the SEC's Office of Internet Enforcement.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2023

Sir Chris also said the claims by government that they were "following the science" became a "millstone around our necks".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

The villagers agreed, and so the miller who had listened to the Devil did not have his hands chopped off, but only stood one day in the rain with his millstone tied about his neck.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman