ENGLISH
REFERENCE

banana republic

idiom
Meaning

A small country, especially one in Central America or the West Indies, that is dependent on a single export commodity (traditionally bananas) and that has a corrupt, dictatorial government.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

Coined by American author O. Henry in 1901 in his short story Money Maze, set in the fictional "Anchuria", which was based on his 1896–97 stay in Honduras.

Examples
SIMPLE

The country is a banana republic with no real laws.

CONTEXTUAL

The citizens protested against the corrupt leaders, claiming their nation had become a banana republic controlled by foreign companies.

COMPLEX

Economic instability and systemic corruption transformed the once-prosperous nation into a classic banana republic, where the government served only the interests of a few wealthy exporters.

Anchors to
Related idioms5entries
  1. 01

    banana nose

    A large, unusually long nose.

  2. 02

    have one foot on a banana peel

    To be in an unstable situation with a high risk of sudden negative change, facing difficulty, or appearing foolish.

  3. 03

    make like a banana and split

    To leave, depart.

  4. 04

    second banana

    A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.

  5. 05

    top banana

    The boss, the leader.

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