What does “Monkey see, monkey do” mean?
"Monkey see, monkey do" means when someone imitates or copies the actions of another person without thinking or understanding why they are doing it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The children were playing together and monkey see, monkey do, they all started jumping on the bed.
Example
He didn't have his own style, he just monkey see, monkey doed whatever the popular kids were doing.
Example
She didn't have any original ideas, she was just monkey see, monkey doing what everyone else was doing
Is “Monkey see, monkey do” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Monkey see, monkey do” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Monkey see, monkey do” effectively in context?
You can use "Monkey see, monkey do" to describe situations where someone mindlessly imitates or copies the actions of another person without considering the consequences or understanding the reasons behind those actions. For example, if a group of friends starts wearing a particular style of clothing just because it's popular, you could say, 'They're all just monkey see, monkey doing without any originality.'
- 1Children's Behavior
The children were playing together and monkey see, monkey do, they all started jumping on the bed.
- 2Peer Pressure
He didn't have his own style, he just monkey see, monkey doed whatever the popular kids were doing.
- 3Lack of Originality
She didn't have any original ideas, she was just monkey see, monkey doing what everyone else was doing.
Similar phrases to “Monkey see, monkey do”:
Follow suit
To imitate or copy the actions of others
Example
She always follows suit and does whatever her friends do.
Someone who imitates or copies the actions of others
Example
He's such a copycat, always trying to be like someone else.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Monkey see, monkey do" is unknown. It is believed to have originated from an African proverb that says, 'A monkey that sees, does.' The phrase gained popularity in the English language and is now used to describe the behavior of imitating or copying others without thinking or understanding.
Is “Monkey see, monkey do” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Monkey see, monkey do" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize or mock someone who blindly imitates others without thinking for themselves.
What tone does “Monkey see, monkey do” have?
"Monkey see, monkey do" conveys a tone of criticism or mockery. It is used to highlight the lack of originality or independent thinking in someone's behavior.
Can “Monkey see, monkey do” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "monkey see, monkey do" is informal and commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's always monkey see, monkey doing whatever his friends do.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Monkey see, monkey do!' to imply someone is blindly imitating others.
