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monkey

Definition

  • noun: a type of animal that is closely related to apes and humans and that has a long tail and usually lives in trees
  • noun: a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers
  • verb: to act in a grotesque or mischievous manner
  • often used in the phrase 'monkey on one's back'
  • synonyms: mimic, ape, simian

Examples

  • The storm 'threw a monkey wrench into' their plans for a picnic. [=the storm ruined their plans for a picnic]

  • After many years of disappointment, she finally 'got the monkey off her back' by winning the championship.

  • Our teacher warned us not to try any 'monkey business' while she was out of the room.

Movie quotes

  • (..) I save it up! Oh Jesus! Will you please do something about that poster? What poster? Bloody drawer! That one! The one with the monkey! It's horrible! The monkey? What's wrong with that monkey? He's not horrible, he's lovely! He's a lovely little monkey! What's he doing! A goal! Not that monkey! That monkey... Oh right. That is a bit frightening! Anyway! I'd better fix this drawer. Moss! Do you have the hammer? You're not listening to me! (..)
    2006 TvShow: The IT Crowd Title: Aunt Irma Visits Season: 1 Episode 6