Monkey business
Meaning
Mischievous, deceitful, or unauthorized behavior, often implying a lack of seriousness or integrity.
Origin
The phrase "monkey business" capitalizes on humanity's long-held observations of monkeys as clever, imitative, and often mischievous creatures. By the 19th century, particularly in American English, this vivid idiom emerged, painting a picture of chaotic and often deceptive activities akin to a troupe of monkeys. It perfectly captured the essence of playful naughtiness, unauthorized actions, or even outright trickery, transforming the image of an unpredictable, often amusing, yet disruptive animal into a succinct metaphor for human shenanigans.
Examples
- The auditors suspected there was a lot of monkey business going on with the company's finances.
- The children were clearly up to some monkey business in the kitchen, judging by the flour on the floor.