someone who is closely associated with a powerful person and acts on their behalf, but has no real power themselves.
In this post
What’s a monkey grinder?
The Free Dictionary defines “organ grinder’s monkey” as “one who acts for or does the bidding of someone much more powerful.” It further defines it below: If you call someone the organ grinder’s monkey, you mean that they are doing what a powerful person wants them to do, but have no real power themselves.
Why do organ grinders have monkeys?
Street organs started out as the musical accompanyment for puppet theaters in Italy. But eventually, itinerant Italian street musicians took them to other parts of Europe and to England, and they eventually started using monkeys who would scamper around and collect change from the audience.
Where does the saying monkey and organ grinder come from?
Etymology. Street organ grinders historically used monkeys to perform tricks and attract interest and money.
Why is it called an organ grinder?
The organ grinder was a musical novelty street performer of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, and refers to the operator of a street or barrel organ.
Are there still organ grinders?
Although there are not many anymore, there are still organ grinders in the U.S.
What is a street monkey?
: a man who inspects and repairs a logging road.
What happened to organ grinders?
The Organ Grinder closed in 1996.
Why did the organ grinder close?
Kitchen equipment was mysteriously being sold out the back door to cover debts to the “bad guys” and there were frequent cash shortages. Bills and taxes weren’t being paid and ultimately, the Denver Organ Grinder was forced to close and its assets were sold at a sheriff’s tax auction.
What is talking to organ grinder?
Talk to the boss not the subordinate.
Is a hurdy gurdy the same as an organ grinder?
The hurdy gurdy, known in France as the vielle a roue or vielle for short, is an ancient instrument which is undergoing a modern renaissance in Europe and America. First, to dispel a popular misconception: the hurdy gurdy was not played by the organ grinder or his monkey.
What is a razor grinder or tinker?
1A person who grinds or sharpens razor blades. Now chiefly historical.
What is a barrel organ called?
A barrel organ (also called roller organ or crank organ) is a French mechanical musical instrument consisting of bellows and one or more ranks of pipes housed in a case, usually of wood, and often highly decorated.
What does it mean when a girl calls you monkey?
If you refer to a child as a monkey, you are saying in an affectionate way that he or she is very lively and naughty. She’s such a little monkey.
What is slang for monkey?
4. Monkey (London via India) London slang for £500. Though familiar to many Londoners, the term “monkey” is actually Indian slang for a 500 rupee note, which used to have a monkey on it.
What does Moon Cricket mean?
moon cricket / mo͞onˈkrikit / noun. Derived from the antebellum colloquial slur for slaves who, weary and working through the night, maintained through chanting and song.
What happened to the Organ Grinder in Portland Oregon?
The Organ Grinder closed in February, 1996. The organ was sold to an investor who split it up for parts. The console went to Garrett Shanklin of Groton, MA (30 miles west of Boston) for use in his 4/34 Conference Center installation.
Who are the organ grinders in Mexico City?
At the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1920, the organ grinders established themselves in the capital and began making their livings playing music for others in exchange for tips and the tradition continued developing as they changed their circus melodies for typical Mexican songs that – for the most part – referred
Is the Organ Grinder in Toronto still open?
The Organ Grinder
Closed in 1996, much of the décor and nostalgic vibes are still retained in the form of its successor, the current Old Spaghetti Factory.
What happened to the pizza and pipes organ?
Today, Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa is one of the few restaurants left. The restaurant’s organ, the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” lives up to its name—it’s the largest Wurlitzer organ in the world.
What happened to the Organ Grinder Toronto?
Sadly the Organ Grinder was forced to close in 1996 after 21 years of good vibes, and all of its wonderful artifacts were liquidated at auction. The organ itself was purchased by an individual from New Hampshire who dismantled it, loaded it into a transport truck and then rebuilt it in his own house.