be a monkey's uncle

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British pronunciation/biː ɐ mˈʌnkɪz ˈʌŋkəl/
American pronunciation/biː ɐ mˈʌnkɪz ˈʌŋkəl/
be a monkey's uncle
01

to display complete surprise or disbelief

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[be] a monkey's uncle definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "be a monkey's uncle" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "be a monkey's uncle" can be traced back to the famous Scopes Monkey Trial that took place in 1925 in the United States. During the trial, a lawyer sarcastically asked the judge if he wanted to "make a monkey out of me" by allowing the opposing lawyer to present evidence. The judge responded with the phrase "I'm not trying to make a monkey out of anyone. I'm trying to establish whether or not you are related to the monkey." The phrase "be a monkey's uncle" since then, gained popularity as a humorous way to express skepticism or to mock someone's claim.

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Example
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Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!
I may agree that if two plus two equals five, then I am a monkey's uncle.
Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle if that happens!
If he was over thirty, then I was a monkey's uncle.
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Definition & Meaning of "[be] a monkey's uncle"
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