Is "to have an albatross around one's neck" in common modern usage? [closed]

I heard it on the BBC a few days ago - "to have an albatross around one's neck".

Questions

• Is it in current usage?
• Can I use it in formal contexts?

I want to use it in the speaking part of my IELTS exam (I should use idioms as well) but I'm worried that my examiner might not know it. P.S my question is not about the meaning of the idiom

This idiom is a reference to The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in which the narrator shoots an albatros - a 'bird of ill omen' - and terrible consequences ensue. The rest of the crew force him to wear the dead albatross round his neck in penance (actually, I always found this a bit strange - an albatross is a big bird!). Anyway, the idiom is taken to mean an unpleasant burden which one cannot escape. It's a moderately well-known idiom in English; you could use it in formal contexts, in my opinion. Edit in the light of Lambie's comment: - It's not flippant, or offensive or humorous, hence my opinion ref formal contexts.

It would certainly impress the average educated Brit, but if you are not sure of its usage then use something else. If you suspect your examiner would only be puzzled by it, then stay clear.