That old debt is an albatross around my neck.
albatross around one's neck
idiomA characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Origin
first recorded 18th c.From The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, wherein a sailor's killing of an albatross brings bad luck and results in the dead bird being hung around the killer's neck by his crewmates.
His past mistake became an albatross around his neck, making it difficult for him to get a new job.
The failing company he inherited proved to be an albatross around his neck, preventing him from pursuing his own creative ambitions.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross round one's neck
Alternative form of albatross around one's neck.