Millstone Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A millstone is a large, round stone used to grind grain into flour in a mill. It can also mean a heavy burden or responsibility that causes problems or difficulties.

Usage & Nuances

Used literally in history/agriculture and figuratively to describe something (especially a problem or duty) that weighs heavily on you: 'a millstone around one's neck.' Common in formal or literary contexts.

• Spanish: piedra de molino - carga (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): mó de moinho - peso (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): mó de moinho - carga (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 磨石 - 重担（比喻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 磨石 - 重擔（比喻）
• Hindi: चक्की का पत्थर - बोझ (रूपक)
• Arabic: حجر الرحى - عبء (مجازي)
• Bengali: চাক-পাথর - বোঝা (কঠিন দায়িত্ব)
• Russian: жернов - бремя (переносное значение)
• Japanese: 石臼 - 重荷（比喩的）
• Vietnamese: cối xay - gánh nặng (nghĩa bóng)
• Korean: 맷돌 - 무거운 짐(비유적 의미)
• Turkish: değirmen taşı - yük (mecazi anlamda)
• Urdu: پتھر کی چکی - بوجھ (استعاراتی معنی)
• Indonesian: batu giling - beban berat (makna kiasan)

Example Sentences

A millstone is used to grind wheat into flour.

basic

The ancient mill has a large millstone outside.

basic

For centuries, people have used the millstone to make bread.

basic

His debts have become a real millstone around his neck.

natural

The failed project is now a millstone that the company can't get rid of.

natural

I enjoy my job, but sometimes it feels like a millstone when things get tough.

natural