ESL Blogs

I have added a few idioms about monkey from my original blog, since there are a lot more and interesting idioms about them. The additional idioms are highlighted in blue font. LOL. I was writing this during the EC upgrading period. The chat had been disabled, of which was good for me. LOL. I have a better time in researching more obscure facts.

Did You Know? Series:-

1. Did You Know?   2. Did You Know? - Continuation   3. Did You Know? - Another Continuation

4. Did You Know? - Not Another Continuation!   5. Did You Know? - Gosh! Will it Never End?

6. Did You Know? - Oh No! Not Another One!   7. Did You Know? - Here Comes Another One!

Did You Know?

1. House of Cards

House of cards means that a flimsy structure, arrangement, or situation that is in danger of collapsing or failing. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to John Milton; the poet, in the 17th century. Even though the meaning did not change much, but Milton used it more of pagan's nature of playing cards which during that time was viewed as evil. Therefore, house of cards were not only structurally unstable but morally unstable. Thus, as far as Milton's concerned, the destruction was as religious as practical.

2. Monkey is very popular.

While the EC chat was down for a few days, some of EC members found various ways to communicate and monkeying around. LOL. "Monkeying around" means doing random and unplanned activities. Another expression that can be used is "horsing around". Both expressions originated from the the behaviour of both animals which like to frolic and just doing unexpected things.

I think another idioms that can be associated with the good-natured pandemonium during that period is " barrel of monkeys". A barrel of monkeys means a good-natured chaotic state, some form of light-hearted pandemonium, which what had happened to most EC Members during that time. LOL. The origin was unknown, but according to Charles E. Funk, word historian; "One monkey arouses a great deal of amusement. Two or more then double the interest and amusement. If one were to release a barrel full of monkeys, we must suppose that their antics would become hilariously comical." 

Another idiom is "monkey business" which means foolish or mischievous activity, It also can mean silliness or dishonest tricks. The origin of this phrase is believed to be from 1904 Brooklyn Standard Union newspaper article. Though the Phrase Finder also listed an earlier reference to an article in 1828 as the origin of the phrase.

"Get the monkey off someone's back" means to stop a bad habit. It is also mean to stop annoying someone.

Surprisingly, I missed those time. LOL. So, the next time EC is going to undertake an upgrading, I think I will call those monkeys. Haha.