What does “Get the monkey off your back” mean?
"Get the monkey off your back" means to get rid of a burden or a problem that has been causing you stress or trouble.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I finally got the monkey off my back by finishing that difficult project.
Example
He's been trying to get the monkey off his back by quitting smoking.
Example
She felt relieved after getting the monkey off her back by confessing the truth
Is “Get the monkey off your back” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get the monkey off your back” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get the monkey off your back” effectively in context?
You can use "Get the Monkey off Your Back" to encourage someone to free themselves from a burden or problem that has been causing them stress or trouble. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Work
After months of working overtime, she finally got the monkey off her back by completing all her pending tasks.
- 2Addiction
He's been struggling with alcoholism for years, but he's determined to get the monkey off his back and start a new sober life.
- 3Guilt
She couldn't bear the guilt any longer, so she decided to get the monkey off her back by confessing her mistake.
Similar phrases to “Get the monkey off your back”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get the monkey off your back” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get the Monkey off Your Back" is uncertain. It is believed to have originated from the circus or carnival industry, where performers would train monkeys to perform tricks or entertain the audience. When a performer wanted to end their act, they would need to get the monkey off their back, symbolizing the release of a burden or responsibility.
Is “Get the monkey off your back” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get the Monkey off Your Back" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the relief and freedom that comes from overcoming a burden or problem.
What tone does “Get the monkey off your back” have?
"Get the Monkey off Your Back" conveys a tone of encouragement and support. It's often used to motivate someone to take action and find a solution to their problems.
Can “Get the monkey off your back” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Get the Monkey off Your Back" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of freeing oneself from burdens or problems. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She finally got the monkey off her back by finishing that difficult project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "get the monkey off your back"!' to imply the need to overcome a problem.
