make a monkey out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “make a monkey out of” is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to describe making someone appear foolish or making a mockery of someone. For example, "He was embarrassed when his friends made a monkey out of him in front of everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Make a monkey out of clay".

The New Yorker

Unless you're a margay trying to make a monkey out of me.

The New York Times - Science

Unless you're Wal-Mart or McDonald's, you may have no choice but to make a monkey out of Mencken.

The New York Times

"They're going to make a monkey out of me, because I'm still going," Mr. Verdin concluded with a laugh that made him wince.

The New York Times

If love can't conquer all, it's nice to know that an angry woman can make a monkey out of a terrorist.

The New York Times - Books

But for the course of this elegantly designed and executed period mystery, it's ever so satisfying to watch an intelligent man of science make a monkey out of the ignoramuses who would too soon take over this civilized ­society.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They're making a monkey out of me," I said.

The New Yorker

Nobody ever succeeded in making a monkey out of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia.

The New York Times

But you know, from George Washington to George Bush makes a monkey out of Darwin".

The Guardian - Books

Yet fashion does have a way of making a monkey out of anyone who tries to predict its future.

The New York Times

Inflation driven by rising commodity prices following the depletion of scarce resources has made a monkey out of monetarism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "make a monkey out of" to add a colorful and idiomatic touch to your writing when describing situations where someone is being ridiculed or made to look foolish. It's particularly effective in informal contexts or when aiming for a slightly humorous tone.

Common error

Avoid using "make a monkey out of" in formal or highly serious contexts, as its informal and somewhat mocking tone can be inappropriate. Opt for more neutral language when conveying criticism or disagreement in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the idiom "make a monkey out of" is to act as a verb phrase that describes the action of causing someone to appear foolish or ridiculous. As noted by Ludwig, it's a commonly used idiom with a well-established meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a monkey out of" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of causing someone to appear foolish or ridiculous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for informal and neutral contexts, it should be avoided in formal or highly serious settings. Alternatives like "make a fool of", "ridicule", and "mock" can offer more neutral options. Remember to consider the context and audience when employing this colorful idiom. The frequent occurrence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its established presence in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a fool of

This alternative conveys a similar meaning of causing someone to appear foolish, but it's more direct and less idiomatic than the original phrase.

make fun of

This alternative is more informal and suggests playful teasing or mockery.

poke fun at

Similar to "make fun of", this implies a lighthearted or gentle form of mockery.

ridicule

This single word expresses the act of making someone or something appear foolish or absurd.

mock

Similar to "ridicule", this verb implies treating someone with contempt or derision.

lampoon

This verb means to publicly criticize someone or something using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

satirize

This implies using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

dupe

This verb means to deceive or trick someone, often implying that the person is easily fooled.

hoax

This term refers to deceiving someone, often with a trick or prank.

deceive

A general term for misleading someone, which can involve making them look foolish as a consequence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make a monkey out of" someone?

To "make a monkey out of" someone means to cause them to look foolish or silly, often through trickery or mockery.

Is "make a monkey out of" considered a formal or informal expression?

It's an informal expression, best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, consider more neutral alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "make a monkey out of"?

You can use alternatives like "make a fool of", "ridicule", or "mock" depending on the context.

How can I use "make a monkey out of" in a sentence?

Example: "The comedian's jokes threatened to make a monkey out of the politician during the roast."