1. From Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Allusion:
From Rime of the Ancient Mariner
ALBATROSS

2. Allusion: Albatross Around One’s Neck
In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a sailor shoots an albatross, a bird considered to be a good omen. As punishment, the sailor is forced to wear the carcass of the albatross around his neck.

3. Allusion: Albatross Around One’s Neck
What it means: An “albatross around a person’s neck” is a burdensome, ongoing problem. “It’s my albatross” = it’s my burden

4. Allusion: Albatross Around One’s Neck
Examples: Although we have an outstanding basketball team, our biggest rival continues to be an albatross around our necks. We haven’t won a game against them in over three years. Credit card debt is my albatross; I can’t ever seem to get it paid down.