Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a monkey on one's back
idiomatic expression
ˈə ˈmʌŋki ɒn wʌnz bæk
Definition
A burden or problem that is difficult to get rid of.
Examples
- After years of struggling with debt, that financial obligation felt like a monkey on her back.
- He realized that his unhealthy habits were a monkey on his back that he needed to address.
- Trying to meet everyone’s expectations was like having a monkey on his back, weighing him down.
Meaning
The phrase refers to a persistent problem, worry, or addiction that someone carries with them, making it hard to move forward or find relief.
Synonyms
- burden
- weight
- encumbrance
