barrel of monkeys
Someone or something very amusing or funny, fun, mischievous, etc.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Spending time with my best friend is a barrel of monkeys.”
“This comedy show is a barrel of monkeys.”
“Your little cousins are a barrel of monkeys.”
“The children were a barrel of monkeys during the long flight, keeping everyone around them entertained with their silly games.”
“The new puppy is a barrel of monkeys because he constantly hides my socks and chases his own tail around the kitchen.”
“Working with the creative team is a barrel of monkeys since they always tell jokes while we design new posters.”
“While the formal gala was rather dull, the after-party proved to be a barrel of monkeys, filled with laughter and unexpected antics.”
disputed origin
The origin of the phrase is uncertain, though lexicographers suggest it may be an extension of the earlier constructions barrel of fun or barrel of laughs. The source material provides no specific dates of coinage nor the names of any individuals responsible for the expression's introduction into the lexicon.
- 01
as clever as a cartload of monkeys
Very clever, cunning or mischievous.
- 02
barrel of laughs
A great amount of enjoyment or entertainment, or something or someone that provides this.
- 03
brass monkey
Very cold.
- 04
brass monkeys
Very cold.
- 05
cheeky monkey
An impudent person, usually a child.
- 06
get one's monkey up
To make someone angry, annoyed or irritated.
- 07
grease monkey
A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.
- 08
like butter on a bald monkey
Very smooth.
Last updated August 10, 2026