ENGLISH
REFERENCE

banana republic

idiom

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.


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.

© 2026 English Reference