make a show of
Meaning(s)
1. exaggerate or make a point of something, behave embarrassingly in public
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
he made a show of picking up the heavy bags
Analysis
To 'make a show of' something means to deliberately display a particular feeling, attitude or action. If you make a show of something you are making it clear or doing something in a performative way for someone else's benefit or attention. "He made a show of looking through his diary to leave no doubt in their mind that he was a busy man." If you 'make a show of someone', it means to embarrass them in front of others. "The teacher made a show of her student by calling her up to the front of the class and forcing her to present her drawing to everyone."
Social Examples (Advance)
- Our mother decided to make a big show of serving the cold dinner to make us feel bad for getting home so late.
- Frank made a show of getting out his new laptop in the lecture. He wanted everyone to see that he had the latest and most expensive model.
- Sarah had too much to drink at the wedding and tried to take the microphone to sing a song. I had to stop her from making a show of herself.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- A representative made a show of unveiling the new model. The audience was captivated.
- My manager made a show of me in front of my colleagues for not handing my work in on time.