make a monkey (out) of (someone or oneself)
(redirected from make a monkey of you)make a monkey (out) of (someone or oneself)
To do something that makes someone (or oneself) seem stupid or ridiculous. I know Greg is only trying to impress Lisa, but he's making a monkey out of himself by telling so many corny jokes. I'm not going to dance too much at the party because I don't want to make a monkey out of myself in front of my coworkers.
make a monkey out of
see under make a fool of.
make a monkey out of someone
ormake a monkey of someone
OLD-FASHIONEDIf someone makes a monkey out of you, or makes a monkey of you, they do something that makes you seem ridiculous or stupid. The teenage footballer made monkeys out of men twice his age with his spectacular goals. If you follow the proper steps, you won't make a monkey of yourself.