a monkey on (one's) back



a 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.
2. A burden. This project is such a monkey on my back right now—I can't wait for it to be over.
See also: back, monkey, on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Idowu-Western African, Yoruba
Nida-Arabic, Urdu
Gale (1)GAYLEnglish
Lena['li:nə]
Sam (1)SAMEnglish
TrudieTROO-dee (English), TRUY-dee (Dutch)English, Dutch