make a monkey out of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make a monkey out of’ mean?
The idiom make a monkey out of means to make someone look foolish or ridiculous, often by tricking or deceiving them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw a monkey wrench into the works" means to disrupt or interfere with a process or plan, causing it to fail or become more complicated.
The idiom "throw a monkey wrench into the works" is a common phrase used to describe situations where something unexpected happens that disrupts or interferes with a process, plan, or system.
The idiom "reduce someone to tears" means to make someone cry or become extremely upset.
The idiom "reduce someone to tears" is a well-known expression in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation where a person becomes extremely emotional and starts crying. The phrase suggests that something has had such a profound impact on someone that their emotions have overwhelmed them to the point of tears.
The idiom "put one past" means to deceive or trick someone, often by successfully hiding or concealing something from them.
The idiom "put one over" means to deceive or trick someone in a clever or sneaky way.
One of the many idiomatic expressions in the English language, 'put one over' has a specific meaning that has evolved over time. Let's explore the idiom, its origins, usage, and contemporary interpretation.
"Put lipstick on a pig" is an idiom that means attempting to make something or someone appear more attractive or appealing, despite its inherent flaws or shortcomings.
The idiom "put a gun to someone's head" means to exert extreme pressure or force on someone to make them do something against their will.
The idiom "pull the wool over someone's eyes" means to deceive or trick someone, usually by intentionally hiding the truth or misleading them in some way.
The idiom "pull someone's leg" means to play a practical joke or tease someone in a light-hearted way, often by making them believe something that is not true.
The idiom "pull faces" means making funny or distorted facial expressions to show amusement, disbelief, or contempt.
Pulling faces is an idiom used to describe a specific facial expression or action. It involves contorting one's face in a humorous or exaggerated manner. This idiom is commonly used in the United States and has a playful connotation.
The idiom "pull a fast one" means to deceive or trick someone in a clever or sneaky way.
Pull a fast one is a common idiom in English that refers to a deceitful or dishonest act. It describes a situation where someone tries to trick or deceive another person. This idiom is often used in informal conversations to describe a clever move that catches someone off guard.
Decoding Mischievous Mimicry
The idiom "make a monkey out of" is a commonly used phrase in English. It is often used informally to mean the act of making someone look foolish or ridiculous. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century, although its exact origins are uncertain.
One theory suggests that the idiom may have its roots in circus or vaudeville shows of the time. Monkeys were often performers in these shows, where they would be made to perform tricks and amusing acts. It is possible that the phrase "make a monkey out of" originated from the idea of making a monkey perform foolish acts, thus metaphorically making someone else look foolish.
Another related idiom, "make an ass of," has a similar meaning. It refers to the act of making someone look foolish or ridiculous, much like "make a monkey out of." Both idioms convey the idea of causing embarrassment or humiliation to someone.
In addition to "making a monkey out of," there are other idioms that share a similar meaning. For example, "make a mockery of" means to make something or someone appear ridiculous or absurd. This idiom emphasizes the idea of making a complete joke or farce out of something or someone.
Another related idiom is "throw a monkey wrench into the works." This phrase means to disrupt or interfere with a plan or situation, often causing confusion or chaos. It implies the idea of causing unexpected obstacles or complications, making a situation more difficult or challenging.
Yet another idiom that conveys a similar meaning is "make a show of oneself." This expression is used to describe someone who is behaving in a way that attracts attention and causes embarrassment or ridicule. It suggests that someone is intentionally making themselves look foolish or ridiculous.
Lastly, there is the idiom "make a big thing out of." This phrase is used to describe someone who is making a situation or event seem more important or significant than it actually is. It implies that someone is exaggerating or overreacting, often in a way that may make them appear foolish or ridiculous.
Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "make a monkey out of" is widely used in contemporary English. The phrase is used in a variety of contexts, including humorous anecdotes, playful teasing, or even serious criticism. It is important to note that the idiom is usually not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a figurative expression.
The idiom "make a monkey out of" is a well-known phrase that is used to describe the act of making someone look foolish or ridiculous. Its exact origins may be uncertain, but it has become a popular idiomatic expression in the English language. Similar idioms such as "make an ass of," "make a mockery of," "throw a monkey wrench into the works," "make a show of oneself," and "make a big thing out of" convey similar meanings and are often used to describe situations that involve embarrassment, ridicule, or making something appear ridiculous.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make a monkey out of" can be used in a sentence:
- She made a monkey out of her brother by pulling a prank on him.
- The comedian's hilarious routine made a monkey out of the audience, leaving them laughing uncontrollably.
- He tried to make a monkey out of his opponent during the debate by making sarcastic remarks.
More "Embarrassment" idioms
