🐒 Monkey See, Monkey Do 🐵
Definition:
“Monkey see, monkey do” is a phrase used to describe someone who imitates another’s actions without understanding the reasoning or consequences. Originating from the United States in the 1920s, it was likely a part of a children’s game, and nowadays, it often serves as a lighthearted admonition or playful criticism.
Synonyms:
- Copycatting
- Mimicking
- Imitating
- Following suit
- Following like a sheep 🐑
Antonyms:
- Innovating
- Original thinking
- Leading
- Charting one’s own path
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Find your purpose or you’re just a monkey doing tricks.” — Tanner Wallinginsky
- “If you can’t beat them, imitate them poorly and blame the lighting.” — Ella Cleverton
Literature, Songs, Movies:
- Book: “Monkey Dance” by Kelsey Oseid
- Song: “Me and My Monkey” by Robbie Williams
- Movie: “Planet of the Apes” - A great laboratory to analyze primate behaviors intertwined with human traits.
Related Proverb:
- “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” except when it isn’t flattering at all!
Similar Terms & Expressions:
- Parroting: Repeating someone else’s words or actions without originality.
- Playing follow the leader: Everyone falls in line and mimics the leader’s actions.
- Tag-along: Someone who always follows another person and does what they do.
### Which of these expressions means to imitate another's actions?
- [x] Monkey see, monkey do
- [ ] Fencing with spaghetti
- [ ] Laughing like a balloon
- [ ] Reading with earplugs
> **Explanation:** "Monkey see, monkey do" is the idiom that means to imitate another's actions without understanding. The others are just humorous nonsense!
### True or False: 'Monkey see, monkey do' originated in England
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The expression actually originated in the United States, not England.
### Which phrase involves mimicking someone?
- [x] Monkey see, monkey do
- [ ] Saving for a rainy day
- [ ] Breaking the ice
- [ ] Taking the bull by the horns
> **Explanation:** "Monkey see, monkey do" is about mimicking someone else, whereas the others are different idioms with varied meanings.
### Which of the following does NOT mean to copy someone?
- [ ] Parroting
- [ ] Copycatting
- [ ] Following suit
- [x] Crushing it
> **Explanation:** "Crushing it" means doing something exceptionally well, not copying someone else.
### Fill in the blank: "________ is the sincerest form of flattery."
- [ ] Curating
- [x] Imitation
- [ ] Biological flux
- [ ] Prevaricating
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
### Monkey See, Monkey Do can best be attributed to origination in the:
- [x] 1920s United States
- [ ] 1880s Britain
- [ ] Renaissance Italy
- [ ] Ancient Greece
> **Explanation:** It is an idiom that stems from the 1920s United States.
Goodbyes are never easy, but they pave the way for new creative adventures. May your path be vividly colored with the mimicry of excellence and originality in thought. Remember, it’s not about who follows you, but who walks beside you on the journey to greatness. Catch you at the next crossroads of hilarity and wisdom! 🌈✌️
