Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

have-a-monkey-on-your-back

idiom

/ˈhæv ə ˈmʌŋki ɒn jʊər bæk/

Definition

To be burdened by a persistent problem or obligation.

Examples

After he took on that extra project, he really felt like he had a monkey on his back.
She realized that her debt was the monkey on her back that was holding her back from enjoying life.

Meaning

This phrase suggests that someone is dealing with a difficult situation or an issue that they cannot easily get rid of, often feeling overwhelmed by it.