a/the monkey on somebody's back
monkey on (one's) back
1. slang A drug addiction. Did you hear? Pete checked himself into rehab to deal with the monkey on his back. I've been clean and sober for nearly five years, but I can still feel the monkey on my back breathing down my neck.
2. A persistent burden or problem. This project is such a monkey on my back right now—I can't wait for it to be over. Trust me, don't get in debt. You don't want that monkey on your back.
See also: back, monkey, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
a/the ˌmonkey on somebody’s ˈback
1 a difficult problem that somebody cannot solve or get rid of: The accusations of fraud remain a monkey on her back.
2 (slang) the state of being unable to stop using drugs
See also: back, monkey, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a monkey on your back
- monkey
- monkey around
- monkey on (one's) back
- monkey on one's back
- have a monkey on (one's) back
- have a monkey on one’s back
- have a monkey on your back
- have got a monkey on (one's) back
- on the natch