put on a show

Meaning(s)

1. overly dramatize something, adopt a false attitude/appearance

Popularity

Medium

Professional

Medium

Social

Check Icon How to Memorize

put on a show of remorse/to impress someone

Check Icon Analysis

If you accuse someone of 'putting on a show' you are accusing them of overreacting or having a response which is much bigger than what would be expected or merited. If someone is 'putting on a show' it is similar to accusing them of being a 'drama queen' or 'making a spectacle of yourself' meaning looking for undue attention. This is an informal phrase.

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. When Alex was told to apologize for what he'd done; he put on a show of remorse, but it was all just an act.
  2. Whenever Claire does something good, she always puts on a big show of telling everyone about it. It really winds me up! 

Check Icon Professional Examples (Advance)

  1. During my sales pitch, the business people put on a show of being interested, but the truth was that they had absolutely no intention of investing in my product.
  2. I really wish Brian would stop putting on a show every time he delivers his weekly report at the meeting. I don't know why he always has to make himself the center of attention!

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