monkey-shine
Definition
- Noun:
- A mischievous or playful trick: "monkey-shine" refers to a prank, jest, or piece of playful mischief, often resembling the antics of a monkey.
- A silly or amusing antic: It can also denote a foolish or comical act intended to amuse or cause mild chaos.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The children were full of monkey-shines, hiding their teacher's chalk. (They played mischievous tricks.)
- Stop your monkey-shines and get back to work! (Cease your silly pranks.)
- His monkey-shine of pretending to be a robot made everyone laugh. (His comical antic amused the group.)
Advanced Usage
"to pull a monkey-shine": to perform a playful or deceptive trick.
- The clown pulled a monkey-shine that surprised the audience. (He did a sudden, funny prank.)
"monkey-shines" as a plural collective: a series of playful or bothersome acts.
- The office was full of monkey-shines during the birthday party. (Many playful tricks occurred.)
Variants and Related Words
Monkey (n): a primate, often associated with playful or mischievous behavior.
- The monkey swung from branch to branch. (The animal moved playfully.)
Shine (n): a bright or polished appearance; not directly related to "monkey-shine" in meaning.
- The floor had a nice shine after polishing. (It reflected light.)
Synonyms
- Prank: a practical joke or mischievous act.
- Antic: a playful or funny action.
- Trick: a deceitful or clever act meant to amuse or deceive.
- Mischief: playful behavior that causes minor trouble.
Phrasal Verbs
- However, the verb "to monkey around" is related: to behave playfully or foolishly.
- Stop monkeying around and finish your homework! (Stop being silly.)
Related Idioms
Monkey business: dishonest or mischievous activity.
- There's too much monkey business in this office; we need more discipline. (Too many tricks or dishonest acts.)
Make a monkey out of someone: to make someone look foolish.
- He made a monkey out of me with that trick. (He embarrassed me through a prank.)