Carrying dead weight
Meaning
Being burdened by someone or something that is not contributing and is only slowing you down.
Origin
Imagine a ship laden with cargo. The valuable goods are stacked neatly, contributing to the voyage's success. But then there's the extra ballast – heavy rocks or sand, added not for profit, but simply to keep the ship steady. These are the 'dead weight,' essential perhaps, but offering no return. This nautical term became a powerful metaphor for people or things that consume resources and energy without providing any benefit. If a ship is sailing with too much unnecessary ballast, it's slower, burns more fuel, and is harder to maneuver; much like a team or project burdened by someone who isn't pulling their own weight.