Make a show of Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃoʊ/ /ˈəv
MAYK uh SHOW uhv
mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /ʃˈəʊ/ /ˈɒv
MAYK uh SHOW ov
Definition
To act in an exaggerated way, especially to impress other people or draw attention to oneself.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal, sometimes disapproving. Commonly followed by 'doing something' ("make a show of helping"). Implies the actions are insincere or for appearances only, not genuine.
Spanish: hacer alarde de - aparentar (para impresionar)Portuguese (BR): fazer alarde de - fingir (para impressionar)Portuguese (PT): fazer alarde de - fingir (para impressionar)Chinese (Simplified): 故意炫耀 - 故作姿态Chinese (Traditional): 故意炫耀 - 故作姿態Hindi: दिखावा करनाArabic: يتظاهر بـ - يستعرضBengali: দেখানোর জন্য কিছু করা - লোক দেখানোভাবে কিছু করাRussian: делать вид - показушничатьJapanese: 大げさに見せる - 見せびらかすVietnamese: làm ra vẻ - làm màuKorean: 티를 내다 - 보여주기 식으로 하다Turkish: gösteriş yapmak - numara yapmakUrdu: دکھاوا کرنا - نمود و نمائش کرناIndonesian: làm ra vẻ - tỏ ra (giả vờ)
Example Sentences
He likes to make a show of his kindness.
basic
They make a show of working hard, but don’t really do much.
basic
Don’t make a show of your money.
basic
She always makes a show of helping, but just wants people to notice her.
natural
You don’t have to make a show of being angry—just talk to me.
natural
Every time he donates, he makes a show of it on social media.
natural