the organ grinder, not the monkey

== English == === Etymology === From the common 19th-century practice of organ grinders training monkeys to dance to music played on a barrel organ in order to perform on the street and solicit donations. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ðiː ˈɔːɡən ˌɡɹaɪndə nɒt ðə ˈmʌŋki/ (General American) IPA(key): /ði ˈɔɹɡən ˌɡɹaɪndəɹ nɑt ðə ˈmʌŋki/ Rhymes: -ʌŋki Hyphenation: the or‧gan grind‧er, not the monk‧ey === Noun === the organ grinder, not the monkey (plural the organ grinders, not the monkeys) (idiomatic) Synonym of organ grinder (“the person who is in charge, rather than a lackey or representative; the person truly responsible for another's actions”). ==== Usage notes ==== Often used with speak to or talk to: “I want to speak to the organ grinder, not the monkey!” ==== Alternative forms ==== the organ-grinder, not the monkey ==== Related terms ==== monkey (“a person dancing to another’s tune, a person controlled or directed by another”) not my circus, not my monkeys ==== Translations ====