get the monkey off one's back

idiom

: to remove or solve a problem that has been difficult to get rid of or solve : to get rid of a problem or situation that makes one unhappy and that lasts for a long time
He finally got the monkey off his back and kicked his drug addiction.

Dictionary Entries Near get the monkey off one's back

get the message

get the monkey off one's back

get the nod

Cite this Entry

“Get the monkey off one's back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20monkey%20off%20one%27s%20back. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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