Talk to the manager, the organ grinder, not the monkey.
the organ grinder, not the monkey
idiomSynonym of organ grinder (“the person who is in charge, rather than a lackey or representative; the person truly responsible for another's actions”).
Origin
disputed originFrom the common 19th-century practice of organ grinders training monkeys to dance to music played on a barrel organ in order to perform on the street and solicit donations.
The assistant cannot change the policy, so you should speak to the organ grinder, not the monkey.
If you wish to resolve this dispute, you must address the organ grinder, not the monkey, as the subordinates lack the authority to negotiate.
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brass monkey
Very cold.
- 02
cheeky monkey
An impudent person, usually a child.
- 03
get one's monkey up
To make someone angry, annoyed or irritated.
- 04
grease monkey
A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.
- 05
like butter on a bald monkey
Very smooth.
- 06
make a monkey out of
To cause a person, group, or action to appear foolish or inferior; to subject someone or something to ridicule.
- 07
monkey around
To act foolishly.
- 08
monkey business
Activity that is mischievous, stupid, or time-wasting.