banana republic

Related to banana republic: gap, Zara

banana republic

A small country, often led by a corrupt government, whose economy depends upon either one internally-produced commodity or the revenue generated by foreign companies or investors. The dictator's insistence that the tiny island nation double down on its dominate export has made it even more of a banana republic.
See also: banana, republic
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

banana republic

a small tropical state, especially one in central America, whose economy is regarded as wholly dependent on its fruit-exporting trade. derogatory
See also: banana, republic
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • republic
  • which foot the shoe is on
  • whose foot the shoe is on
  • the breath of life
  • has more money than God
  • have more money than God
  • starve (someone or something) of (something)
  • starve of
  • That depends
  • it/that depends
References in periodicals archive
If Turkey is not a banana republic, we will not consider the massacre in Soma to be an ordinary work accident and we will not continue our normal lives.
Banana Republic relinquished some of its space at 17 West 34th Street when its lease expired and it re-signed for a smaller portion of the building, an industry source said.
Most recently Coe served as senior vice president of merchandising and interim head of design at Banana Republic. In his three years with Banana Republic, he was instrumental in refining the brand strategy and customer segments, developing and executing key growth strategies and driving a profitable business model.
In his view, a largely post-industrial country that relies on its reputation as a global financial centre to make its living was made to look like a "banana republic".
The police and fire departments are underpaid and understaffed, and the district attorney's office functions as though it's in a banana republic. If you visit Jackson, check your ammo.
Presently occupied by Banana Republic, the three-level store, which boasts 67 feet of frontage along the north side of 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, is being marketed exclusively by retail leasing specialist Ripco Real Estate Corp.
A banana republic is a country whose economy is dependent on tourism and foreign investors and is one in which its elites pick and choose which laws to enforce.
Under the agreement, FJ Benjamin, through its associated company in Indonesia, will open 15 Gap, BabyGap and GapKids stores in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bali, and five Banana Republic stores in Jakarta and Surabaya by 2011, the company said in a statement.
The Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are threatening a national boycott of all Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores in an attempt to cut back on corporate contributions to groups against the universal preschool initiative on June's ballot.
Japan Airlines is facing the kind of difficulties more associated with a banana republic then one of the world's most important airlines.
Earlier this fall, Banana Republic launched a limited-edition collection of Asian-inspired holiday wear that shares the film's color palette and is heavy on the kimono sleeves, but lacks any vintage feel.
Trade that flimsy airline blanket for this Banana Republic cashmere throw and bag in pale gray combo, $238.
Employees needed to learn how to stop operating by division and to come together across functions, borders and brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Forth & Towne.