monkey's allowance

English

Etymology

Said to be the reward of the monkeys carried by wandering showmen in centuries past; the monkeys had to perform to beg halfpence from passers-by by exhibiting their privates parts, but the coins they had earned they then had to carry back to the master, while he would kick or otherwise abuse the poor creatures to force them to keep performing.[1]

Noun

monkey's allowance (uncountable)

  1. More abuse than profit.
    Synonym: more kicks than ha'pence
    • 1833, [Frederick Marryat], chapter II, in Peter Simple. […], volume I, London: Saunders and Otley, […], published 1834, →OCLC, page 18:
      "Well, then, you're like a young bear, all your sorrows to come—that's all, my hearty," replied he. "When you get on board, you'll find monkey's allowance—more kicks than half-pence. […]"

References
  1. Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1895) Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, page 859.
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