Dressing a monkey in silk does not change the fact that it is a monkey. This is the phrase Spanish speakers use to indicate a bad thing has been made to look good.
An Equivalent English Phrase is 'Putting Lipstick on a Pig.'
Note: In Columbia and Spain, 'Dressing a Monkey in Silk' has no negative connotations of any kind.
'McCain is Dressing a Monkey in Silk' - Obama
by Legatus 1TTA1 September 12, 2008
Get the Dressing a Monkey in Silk mug.