The ape leader was unable to make any decisions and constantly relied on others for guidance.. ape-leader An old maid or spinster. An old English adage said that a spinster's punishment after death, for failing to procreate, would be to lead apes in hell. This glossary term is categorized as Slang
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun ape-leader. See 'Meaning & use' for definition, usage, and quotation evidence. This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the mid 1600s.. ape leader: Idiom Meaning and Origin What does 'ape leader' mean? An "ape leader" refers to someone who imitates or mimics the actions or behavior of a leader without understanding the reasons or intentions behind them. This idiom criticizes individuals who blindly copy others without thinking critically or taking into account the context.