Being someone’s albatross is an idiomatic expression that refers to a burden or obstacle that someone else has to carry around. It originates from the poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in which a sailor shoots and kills an albatross that was following his ship. This act is considered bad luck, and the dead albatross is hung around the sailor’s neck as a reminder of his wrongdoing. The albatross becomes a heavy burden that the sailor must carry with him as penance. So in essence, when someone or something is described as your albatross, it means that person or thing is an ongoing hindrance weighing you down.
Where does the expression “albatross around one’s neck” come from?
The phrase originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1798 poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” In the poem, a sailor on a ship shoots and kills an albatross that was following the ship. The crew considers this act to be unlucky and a bad omen. To punish the sailor for killing the albatross, the crew members hang the dead bird around the sailor’s neck to remind him of his wrongdoing. The albatross becomes a symbol of the sailor’s sin and guilt. He must wear it constantly as he travels, unable to remove the burden.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a epic poem written by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It was first published in 1798 in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads, which Coleridge co-authored with William Wordsworth. The poem tells the story of a sailor on a ship who shoots and kills an albatross that was following the ship through the icy waters of Antarctica. After killing the albatross, which was considered a friendly omen, the sailor and his shipmates encounter numerous troubles and the sailor is forced to wear the dead albatross around his neck.
Significance of the Albatross
In Coleridge’s poem, the albatross is a symbol of good luck and friendly companionship. By killing the albatross, the sailor offends the natural world and brings bad luck upon himself and the ship. The crew hangs the dead bird around the sailor’s neck to remind him of his deed and force him to endure the burden of his actions. He wears the bird as a crucifix, representing his sin and guilt for disrupting the balance of nature.
What does it mean to call someone your “albatross”?
When you describe someone as your “albatross,” it means that person is a heavy burden you are forced to carry around with you, usually due to some previous action or deed. Just like the sailor wearing the dead albatross in Coleridge’s poem, you are burdened with this person or the consequences of your involvement with them. They weigh you down and make progress difficult, like an obstacle hanging around your neck.
Some examples of using “albatross” in this context:
- Ever since Joe lied on his resume, he’s been an albatross around the company’s neck.
- His gambling addiction has become an albatross in his marriage.
- The accidental plagiarism in her first book continues to be an albatross for her career.
- The senator’s past scandals are still an albatross that he struggles to overcome.
In each case, the person or event described as an “albatross” is something burdensome from the past that hinders progress or success.
Where is this idiom used?
Referring to someone or something as an “albatross” is common in English slang and idiomatic expressions. You’ll hear it used in:
- Everyday conversation
- Literature and poetry
- News reports and political analysis
- Business and financial contexts
Any time someone is weighed down or held back by some past mistake or hindrance, “albatross” can be used idiomatically to describe that burden.
What part of speech is this idiom?
“Albatross” functions as a noun when used in this idiomatic expression. For example:
- Noun – “That disastrous business deal has been an albatross around the company’s neck for years.”
- Adjective – “He was burdened by albatross guilt after missing that crucial free throw.”
Similar Idioms
Some other idioms that convey a similar meaning to “albatross around one’s neck” include:
- Monkey on one’s back – a burdensome problem or situation that won’t go away
- Skeleton in the closet – a troubling or embarrassing secret from someone’s past
- Ball and chain – a spouse or romantic partner who inhibits freedom and independence
- Thorn in one’s side – an annoying, persistent problem
Quotes Using the Idiom
Famous quotes and examples showing “albatross” used as an idiomatic expression:
“He had this terrible character flaw that made him completely unemployable in the industry. It was an albatross around his neck.” – Movie producer describing a down-on-his-luck actor.
“This scandal will hang around the Senator’s neck like an albatross in his reelection campaign.” – Political analyst commenting on accusations of corruption.
“Isabella had imagined her student loans would be cleared within five years of graduation, but ten years later, they were still an albatross she struggled under.” – Excerpt from a fictional novel.
How to Use It in a Sentence
Here are some examples of using “albatross” as an idiomatic expression in a full sentence:
- The dated technology became an albatross for the company, preventing innovative product development.
- After the public fallout, the celebrity’s controversial political views were an albatross around his career.
- Though he was acquitted, the accusations still hung like an albatross around the executive’s neck.
- The new administration tried to distance itself from the previous corruption scandal that had become an albatross for the entire department.
Conversation Usage
In everyday conversation, “albatross” can be used flexibly to refer to burdens or obstacles:
Person 1: I can’t seem to move on in my new job because my old boss keeps undermining me. It’s like an albatross around my neck!
Person 2: Wow, that sounds really frustrating. But keep looking ahead – you’ll eventually leave that albatross behind.
Person 1: I hope so! I need a fresh start without this old baggage.
In Pop Culture
References to albatross as symbolic of a burden can be found in popular music and films:
- “Albatross” – A famous guitar instrumental by Fleetwood Mac that uses the albatross imagery
- “The Albatross” – A rock song by country artist Willie Nelson about guilt
- The movie The Rescuers features an albatross named Orville who helps rescue a young girl
Summary
In summary, calling someone or something an “albatross” idiomatically means that person or thing is a heavy burden, obstacle, or shameful reminder of a past mistake. Just like the sailor wearing the dead bird in Coleridge’s tragic poem, an “albatross” holds you back and weighs you down. Next time you hear this expression used, you’ll understand it refers to a problematic hindrance or undesirable obligation resulting from previous errors or misdeeds.
