You searched for: “milestone
milestone, millstone
milestone (MIGHL stohn") (noun)
1. A marker that shows distances in miles, or the lengths of 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards, between specified places: The ancient Roman roads used to have a carved milestone to indicate a "mile", but all of them have disappeared because later generations used them as part of the construction in buildings.
2. Figuratively, a decisive moment or turning point in the lives of people, in professions, or in various periods in history, etc.: George planned a celebration to mark the most recent milestone in his career, being appointed CEO of the company.
millstone (MIL stohn") (noun)
1. One of two large stones used for grinding grain: In the past, much of the world's wheat was crushed into fine meals by having one millstone rub against another one.
2. Figuratively, a heavy burden, problem, or responsibility that does not go away and which makes it difficult or impossible to do or to achieve an objective or target: For some students, a college loan can quickly become a millstone making it very hard, or hopeless, for them to achieve their goals.

The scandal became a political millstone for the candidate who was running for office.

For Stanley, a millstone (serious problem) made it impossible for him to take advantage of the milestone that might have become available to him.

Word Entries at Get Words: “milestone
milestone (s) (noun), milestones (pl)
1. A stone marker set upon a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point: While Mark was driving, the milestones made it possible for him to determine how far he was from reaching his destination.
2. An important event or turning point in one's history or career, or that of nations: The invention of new military weapons are milestones of mankind's route to self-destruction.
This entry is located in the following unit: English Words in Action, Group M (page 4)