A large, heavy stone used in a mill to grind grain; something that's a burden or drag on progress.
Compound of 'mill' (building for grinding grain, from Latin 'molina') and 'stone.' The metaphorical meaning of burden comes from the weight and grinding nature of the stones.
The phrase 'a millstone around one's neck' dates back to Biblical times and means something so heavy it will sink you. Medieval mills were literally powered by massive stone wheels that could crush anything—perfect metaphor for relentless burden!
Often applied metaphorically to women (wives, motherhood) as burdens around a man's neck. Frames women and caregiving as weight rather than partnership or choice.
Use for actual burdens or obligations. Avoid as metaphor for relationships or family members. If describing constraint, be explicit about what is constrained and why.
["burden","obstacle","constraint"]
Caregiving is labor and choice, not inherent female burden. Language should reflect agency, not assume women as default millstones.
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