monkey see, monkey do

phrase

monkey see, monkey do

phrase

Etymology Monkeys are known for imitating others.

1

A conventional explanation for mimicry, especially of a foolish action done with no consideration of the consequences.

  • Monkey see, monkey do / Don't ever make the first move, just let 'em come to you2003, Eminem, “Monkey See, Monkey Do”, in Straight from the Lab:
  • Then why Hong Kong people stock toilet paper? Because monkey see monkey do. Hong Kong people stock toilet paper because people scared toilet paper come from China, tomorrow China no toilet paper, we all cannot go pang sai.2020 February 20, Chan Chun Sing, as quoted, “Full transcript of 25-minute leaked audio recording of Chan Chun Sing dialogue with SCCCI”, in Mothership.sg:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.