English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Monkey business
Meaning
The idiom "monkey business" refers to activities or actions that are not serious, important, or legitimate. It can also suggest dishonest or unethical behavior. The figurative meaning of the idiom is to describe something that is not professional or appropriate in a particular context.
Usage
- He was caught red-handed doing some monkey business in the office.
- I don't like getting involved in any kind of monkey business with my clients.
- The company is accused of engaging in monkey business to inflate their profits.
- She decided to quit her job after finding out about all the monkey business going on behind the scenes.
- The politicians were accused of playing politics and engaging in some serious monkey business.
Roots and History
The idiom "monkey business" has its roots in the early 20th century and is believed to have originated from the animal kingdom. It may refer to activities or behavior that resemble the mischief and playfulness of monkeys. The first recorded use of the idiom can be traced back to a 1928 book written by American humorist James Thurber called "The Wonderful Adventures of Mr. Chance." However, its popularity grew in the mid-20th century and became widely used in contemporary language.
Synonyms in English
- Foolish behavior
- Unprofessional conduct
- Inept actions
- Amateurish mistakes
- Inappropriate behavior
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "juegos de monos" (monkey games)
- French: "faire du singe" (to act like a monkey)
- German: "Affengeschichten" (monkey stories)
- Italian: "cosa che si fa come i monchi" (what do monkeys do?)
- Japanese: "やばいことの喧れ" (rude and reckless behavior)