Is the expression " To be an albatross around one's neck" often used in modern English?
This question is addressed to native speakers of English.
Is the expression " To be an albatross around one's neck" often used in modern English?
Are there any other expressions to say "to be a burden for someone"?
Are the following expressions used: "to leech someone", "to scrounge off someone"?
Thanks a lot in advance.

Question

Is the expression " To be an albatross around one's neck" often used  in modern English?
This question is addressed to native speakers of English.
Is the expression " To be an albatross around one's neck" often used  in modern English?
Are there any other expressions to   say "to be a burden for  someone"?
Are the following expressions used: "to leech someone", "to scrounge off someone"?
Thanks a lot  in advance.

Answer

I have not heard that expression for decades.

Answer

"To be an albatross around one's neck" is used more frequently than when a U.S. presidential candidate used the expression "between Scylla and Charybdis".   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Between_Scylla_and_Charybdis.
Calling someone a "leech" or saying that someone is "scrounging" are both used frequently.

Answer

It's rarely used.the 
It comes from the poem: The Ancient Mariner.
Not too many people are familiar with it these days.

Не упустите возможность выучить язык, не выходя из дома. Ознакомьтесь с подборкой опытных преподавателей и запишитесь на свой первый урок прямо сейчас!