Monkey Business — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Silly behavior, or dishonest dealings.

Monkey business can mean harmless fun, but it can also mean cheating.

The situation usually makes clear which one is meant.

Use it when…

When children or colleagues are being silly or disruptive instead of behaving appropriately
When warning someone not to try anything dishonest or misleading
When accusing someone or an organization of questionable or unethical behavior

Don’t confuse with...

"Funny Business"

—

Suspicious or dishonest activity, with a sense that something is being hidden or manipulated

"Shenanigans"

—

Playful or silly behavior, usually harmless and done in a joking spirit

"Monkey Business"

—

Dishonest, suspicious, or silly behavior depending on context

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Monkey Business" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Management

A manager tells the interns there will be no monkey business during the client visit.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A parent warns the kids there is to be no monkey business while she is on her phone call.

Media & Everyday Life

News

An auditor suspects monkey business in the company's expense reports after spotting unusual patterns.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Monkey Business" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to Colleague

Boss

I need this handled professionally — no monkey business with the numbers.

You

Understood — everything will be clean and fully documented.

Relationships

Joking / Sarcasm

Friend

We promise we'll behave at the dinner.

You

Last time you said that there was non-stop monkey business all evening.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

Do you think the accounting irregularities were an accident or deliberate?

You

It smells like monkey business to me — too many coincidences for it to be a mistake.

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Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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