monkey business

noun

1. frivolous or mischievous behavior.
2. improper or underhanded conduct; trickery.

monkey business

noun

1. informal.
   mischievous, suspect, dishonest, or meddlesome behaviour or acts

Word History and Origins

Origin of monkey business¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

Silly, mischievous, or deceitful conduct, as in The teacher told the children to cut out the monkey business and get to work , or I don't trust that lawyer—there's some monkey business going on . This expression transfers the tricks of monkeys to human behavior. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

A snapshot of presidential candidate Gary Hart aboard the yacht "Monkey Business" ended his aspirations forever.

From The Daily Beast

And after Gary Hart taunted the press to follow him around in 1987, we believed all political monkey business was our business.

From The Daily Beast

It would take a thousand men and cost enough to buy a whole new tract to do all the monkey business they want you to do.

From Project Gutenberg

"Monkey Business" is a very good act, and both men do excellent work on the taut and slack wire.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be well for you to tell those men that any monkey business with them will be unhealthy.

From Project Gutenberg

“None of your monkey business,” snapped the policeman, advancing toward the man.

From Project Gutenberg

"Been some monkey business done round yere," muttered the aged negro.

From Project Gutenberg