Put on an act Meaning in English
expression
ˈpʊt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈækt
PUT-on-an-AKT
pʊt/ /ˈɒn/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈækt
PUT-on-an-AKT
Definition
To pretend to feel or be a certain way, especially to deceive others or to impress them, often by behaving in an exaggerated or false manner.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal; used to criticize someone for being insincere or pretending. Common with 'stop', 'just', or when suspecting someone's reaction is not genuine ('Don't put on an act!'). Different from acting in a play or movie (literal).
Spanish: fingir - hacer teatroPortuguese (BR): fingir - fazer cenaPortuguese (PT): fingir - fazer fitaChinese (Simplified): 装样子 - 假装Chinese (Traditional): 裝樣子 - 假裝Hindi: नाटक करना - दिखावा करनाArabic: يُمثل - يتظاهرBengali: নাটক করা - অভিনয় করা (ভান করা)Russian: притворяться - изображать (чтобы обмануть)Japanese: 演技をする - ふりをするVietnamese: giả vờ - diễn (để lừa dối)Korean: 연기하다 - 거짓 행동을 하다Turkish: numara yapmak - rol yapmak (gerçek dışı davranmak)Urdu: ڈرامہ کرنا - دکھاوا کرناIndonesian: berpura-pura - bersandiwara
Example Sentences
She always puts on an act when teachers are around.
basic
Don't put on an act; just tell the truth.
basic
He put on an act to get out of trouble.
basic
You don’t have to put on an act; just be yourself.
natural
I can always tell when someone is putting on an act at parties.
natural
After the news broke, the politician put on an act like nothing had happened.
natural