What is the origin of the idiom "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" and when to use it?

The idiom "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. The phrase likely evolved from earlier expressions such as "cage of monkeys" and "a wagon-load of monkeys," which were used to describe chaotic and terrible situations. The image of a barrel filled with monkeys, known for their playful antics and mimicry, likely contributed to the phrase's popularity. The idiom is now used to convey a high level of amusement or enjoyment, often in a lighthearted or exaggerated manner.