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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017