The peel of a banana, especially regarded as something on which a person may slip and fall; (hence figurative) a cause of humiliation or misfortune. Frequently in "to slip (also tread) on a banana peel".
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Albert S. Evans (1831–1872).
Definition of banana peel in US English:
banana peel
noun
The peel of a banana, especially regarded as something on which a person may slip and fall; (hence figurative) a cause of humiliation or misfortune. Frequently in "to slip (also tread) on a banana peel".
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Albert S. Evans (1831–1872).