Make an ass of Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmeɪk/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈæs/ /ˈəv

MAYK an ASS-uhv

UK

mˈeɪk/ /ˈɐn/ /æs/ /ˈɒv

MAYK un ASS-ov

Definition

To behave in a way that makes yourself look foolish or ridiculous in front of others.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and slightly old-fashioned; sometimes humorous or self-deprecating. Usually 'make an ass of yourself.' Not considered extremely rude, but avoid in very formal contexts. Similar to 'make a fool of yourself'.

• Spanish: hacer el ridículo - quedar en ridículo
• Portuguese (BR): passar vergonha - pagar mico
• Portuguese (PT): fazer figura de parvo - fazer figura de tolo
• Chinese (Simplified): 出丑 - 出洋相
• Chinese (Traditional): 出醜 - 出洋相
• Hindi: बेवकूफ़ बनना - शर्मिंदगी उठाना
• Arabic: يجعل نفسه أضحوكة - يحرج نفسه
• Bengali: নিজেকে বোকা বানানো - নিজের সম্মান হারানো
• Russian: выставить себя дураком
• Japanese: 馬鹿な真似をする - みっともないことをする
• Vietnamese: làm mình trở nên ngớ ngẩn
• Korean: 바보짓하다 - 스스로 우습게 만들다
• Turkish: kendini rezil etmek - kendini aptal durumuna düşürmek
• Urdu: اپنی بے عزتی کروانا - خود کو مذاق بنانا
• Indonesian: memalukan diri sendiri - mempermalukan diri sendiri

Example Sentences

He made an ass of himself by forgetting his speech.

basic

Don't make an ass of yourself at the meeting.

basic

I didn't want to make an ass of myself in front of my friends.

basic

Every time he drinks too much, he makes an ass of himself.

natural

I totally made an ass of myself at karaoke last night.

natural

Careful with your jokes—you don't want to make an ass of yourself.

natural