make a monkey out of
Cause foolish appearance
To make a monkey out of someone is to make them look foolish or ridiculous, often through deception or manipulation: He made a monkey out of me in front of the whole office.
The phrase suggests the target has been reduced to something comical and undignified, like a trained monkey performing tricks.
- embarrassCause social discomfort
- egg on faceEmbarrassment from error
- chagrinDistress from wounded pride
- mortifyCause severe embarrassment
- dupeDeceive or victim
snow · deceive · hoodwink · bamboozle · pull a fast one · take for a ride · show up · mislead · humiliate · put to shame · sheepish · mock · ridicule · take the mickey · outwit · run circles around · discredit · punk
make a monkey out ofhonor
High regard, moral dignity
dignify · put on a pedestal · venerate · show respect · pay homage to
make a monkey out ofvindicate
Clear of wrongdoing
validate · back up · corroborate · substantiate · confirm