have a monkey on your back

have a monkey on (one's) back

1. slang To have a drug addiction. Did you hear? Pete checked himself into rehab because he has a monkey on his back.
2. slang To have a burden. I have such a monkey on my back right now with this project—I can't wait for it to be over.
See also: back, have, monkey, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have a monkey on your back

1 have a burdensome problem. 2 be dependent on drugs. informal
Sense 2 originated as mid 20th-century US slang; it can also mean ‘experience withdrawal symptoms after ceasing to take a drug’.
See also: back, have, monkey, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • blimp
  • blimp out
  • gun
  • guns
  • brassic lint
  • flash
  • flash on
  • flashing
  • dook
  • dukes