Have a monkey on (one's) back In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "have a monkey on (one's) back", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Katie Anh

2022-04-20 12:04

bear the burden

Have a monkey on (one's) back negative spoken language verb phrase

To have a terrible burden that makes one's life becomes difficult.

I have a monkey on my back. It's my arthritis. It makes me difficult in moving.

She has a monkey on her back when her parent died and left her with an enormous debt.

Used to describe having a drug addiction.

He's been sent to rehab this morning because people found out he has a monkey on his back.

Knowing he has a monkey on his back, his parents positively encourage him to go to rehab.

To punish someone or something harshly

you can't unring a bell

Once something has been done, you can do nothing but face the consequences.

to ask for trouble

to behave in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties

Children and Fools Tell the Truth

White lie

ask for trouble

Act in a way that is likely to cause problems for you

It is mostly used in the present tense.