monkey tricks

British  

plural noun

1. informal mischievous behaviour or acts, such as practical jokes

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Example Sentences

If the Egyptian army, "which is being aided and trained by Nazi instructors," tries any monkey tricks, Britain will defend itself.

From Time Magazine Archive

All the muddy browns of the studio, with the yellow smear that passes for Rembrandtish light, are but the monkey tricks of lesser men.

From Promenades of an Impressionist by Huneker, James

He spoke to it; but ah, dear God! at his weak lifeless words, the old dog would not come out, but only carried on his monkey tricks with him.

From Pictures of German Life in the XVth XVIth and XVIIth Centuries, Vol. I. by Freytag, Gustav

Oh, no, they won’t play no monkey tricks.

From The Golden Woman A Story of the Montana Hills by Cullum, Ridgwell

But Jack was only second to Nero in monkey tricks, and he held on in a most tenacious manner.

From Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among The Turks Book Number Fifteen in the Jack Harkaway Series by Hemyng, Bracebridge