monkey business: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘monkey business’ mean?
The idiom "monkey business" refers to mischievous or dishonest behavior, often involving pranks or tricks. It is used to describe actions that are not serious or professional.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw a monkey wrench in the works" means to intentionally disrupt or sabotage a plan, project, or situation. It implies causing unexpected problems or obstacles that hinder progress or success.
The idiom "on a whim" means doing something without any prior planning or thought. It refers to a spontaneous decision or action that is often impulsive and not based on any rational reasoning.
The idiom "on a lark" means to do something solely for fun or amusement, without any particular purpose or serious intent.
The idiom "on a lark" is widely used in the English language, specifically in American English. It has a specific connotation and is commonly understood to mean engaging in a spontaneous or impulsive act, often for the sake of fun or without a particular purpose.
The idiom "not cricket" means something that is unfair or unjust, typically referring to behavior or actions that are considered dishonest or unsportsmanlike.
An idiom meaning a foolish or pointless activity.
The idiom "mud monkey" refers to someone who works in construction or manual labor, particularly in muddy or dirty conditions. It conveys the idea of someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and is skilled at working in demanding environments.
The idiom "much ado about nothing" means making a fuss or creating a big deal out of something that is unimportant or insignificant.
The idiom "monster mash" refers to a lively and chaotic event or gathering with a lot of energy and excitement.
"Monopoly money" is an idiom that refers to money or currency that has no real value in the real world, similar to the colorful play money used in the board game Monopoly. It is often used to describe something that is worthless, fake, or not accepted as a legitimate form of payment.
The idiom "monkey's paw" refers to a metaphorical object that brings about unintended consequences or misfortune when one wishes for something. It symbolizes the idea that one should be careful what they wish for, as the outcome may not be as desirable as initially thought.
The Enigmatic Expression
The idiom "monkey business" has a long history and various interpretations. It is commonly used to describe mischievous or dishonest behavior, often with a hint of humor. While its exact origin remains uncertain, several theories offer possible explanations for its meaning and usage.
One theory suggests that the term "monkey business" originated from the behavior of actual monkeys. Monkeys love to "monkey around" and engage in playful and sometimes mischievous antics. Just like humans, they have a knack for mischief and pranks. This theory implies a metaphorical connection between human behavior and the behavior of monkeys.
Another possible origin of the idiom "monkey business" can be traced to the world of business and commerce. In the early 20th century, the business environment was often described as chaotic and unpredictable. Questionable practices and hidden agendas were common, and some individuals engaged in actions that could only be described as "monkey business". This phrase quickly became a metaphor for deceitful or unscrupulous conduct in the world of business.
Yet another theory suggests that the idiom may have its roots in the world of entertainment. In the early 20th century, vaudeville shows and circuses were popular forms of entertainment. These shows often featured acts involving monkeys, known for their high energy and unpredictable nature. The antics of these monkeys could be described as "monkey business", adding an element of excitement and chaos to the performances.
Regardless of its origin, "monkey business" has become a widely recognized idiom in the English language. It is often used in informal contexts to describe actions that are perceived as deceptive, mischievous, or untrustworthy. When someone engages in "monkey business", they are up to no good and are likely to cause trouble or create confusion.
"Monkey around" is another related idiom that captures the playful and mischievous nature associated with monkeys. When someone is "monkeying around", they are engaging in silly or foolish behavior. It can refer to someone goofing off or not taking things seriously. People who "monkey around" often have a carefree and lighthearted attitude, much like monkeys themselves.
Another idiomatic expression related to "monkey business" is "cheeky monkey". This phrase is often used to describe someone who is impudent, bold, or sassy. Just like monkeys, who are known for their cheeky and mischievous behavior, a "cheeky monkey" is never afraid to push boundaries or play pranks on others. Their daring and audacious nature earns them this playful nickname.
When someone tries to "make a monkey out of" another person, they are attempting to deceive or embarrass them. This idiom implies that the person carrying out the act of deception is making a fool or a "monkey" out of the other individual. It can be used in various contexts, such as when someone uses trickery or manipulation to gain an advantage or make someone look foolish.
A "barrel of monkeys" is often used to describe a situation or activity that is incredibly enjoyable, lively, and full of laughter. The phrase originates from the popular children's game called "Barrel of Monkeys", where players try to hook as many plastic monkeys together as possible. Just like the game, being in a "barrel of monkeys" means you're having a great time, surrounded by excitement, joy, and plenty of frivolity.
The idiom "throw a monkey wrench in the works" describes an action or event that disrupts or hinders a process or plan. It suggests that someone is deliberately causing chaos or obstruction, much like throwing a monkey wrench into a well-oiled machine. This phrase is often used to express frustration or annoyance when someone or something unexpectedly hampers progress or introduces complications.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "monkey business" can be used in a sentence:
- She suspected that her employees were up to some monkey business when she noticed things being moved around in her office.
- The politician was accused of engaging in monkey business, as he was caught accepting bribes.
- During the class, the teacher warned the students not to engage in any monkey business and to focus on their work.
An idiom is a common phrase or expression in a language that typically does not have a literal meaning. "Monkey business" is an idiom that refers to dishonest or suspicious behavior, often related to mischief or troublemaking. It can describe activities that are deceitful, unethical, or improper.
In the first example, the idiom is used to express a suspicion that someone is engaging in dishonest or mischievous behavior. The person believes that their employees are up to some suspicious activities, indicated by things being moved around in their office.
In the second example, the idiom is used to accuse a politician of engaging in dishonest or corrupt behavior. The politician is alleged to have accepted bribes, which is considered unethical and improper.
In the third example, the idiom is used by a teacher to warn students not to engage in any mischievous or distracting behavior during the class. The teacher wants the students to focus on their work and not engage in any dishonest or improper activities.
More "Mischievous" idioms
