Monkey on (someone's) back
Translation of "monkey on (someone's) back" into Russian
monkey on (someone's) back
обуза, проблема, от которой трудно избавиться
He hasn't been able to quit smoking; it's a real monkey on his back.
Он никак не может бросить курить; это настоящая обуза для него.
Definitions
A persistent problem, burden, or addiction that someone struggles to overcome or get rid of.