Den‧nis the Men‧ace /ˌdenəs ðə ˈmenəs, ˌdenɪs ðə ˈmenəs/

1. a character in the British comic The Beano. Dennis is a young boy with thick black hair that sticks out in all directions and he wears a sweater with red and black stripes. He has a dog called Gnasher, and together they play tricks on people.

2. a character in a US cartoon strip. Dennis is a little boy with light hair who is always causing problems, even though he does not intend to. He especially likes to play with his neighbour, Mr Wilson, who usually gets very annoyed with him.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

dennis the menace
n. phr. After the notorious television character played by a young boy who always creates trouble for the grownups. Any hyperactive little boy who needs calming down.
"Your son, Joey, is becoming a regular 'Dennis the Menace'," Jane said to Elvira.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲