An albatross can mean two related ideas depending on context:
- A large seabird: Albatrosses are a family of exceptionally long-winged seabirds known for wide-wing gliding over oceans.
- A burdensome problem or burden: In figurative use, “an albatross” describes a persistent, heavy burden or obstacle that hampers progress or success. This metaphor draws from Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where the albatross represents guilt and misfortune attached to the sailor.
If you’d like, I can tailor the explanation to a specific context (literary analysis, idiomatic usage, or cultural references).
