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“millstone”
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.
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.
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.
This entry is located in the following unit:
Confusing Words Clarified: Group M; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(page 4)