# ape leader

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ape-leader
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An old maid.

## Examples

- She is an ape leader who lives alone.
- In the old story, the woman never married and became known as an ape leader.
- The villagers whispered that she would remain an ape leader, destined to spend her final years in solitary reflection.

## Origin

An old maid's punishment after death, for neglecting to increase and multiply, was said to be the leading of apes in Hell. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.