[make] a spectacle of {oneself}
1
to behave in a very foolish and embarrassing way in the presence of others
The origin of the idiom "make a spectacle of oneself" can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The word "spectacle" refers to a visually striking or attention-grabbing event or performance. This expression emerged as a figurative expression to describe an individual's actions or behavior that attract public attention in a manner that is often seen as embarrassing or inappropriate. It is used in various contexts and occasions where someone wants to describe or criticize a person's attention-seeking or embarrassing behavior.
- She always makes a spectacle of herself at parties, dancing on tables and singing loudly.
- The child is making a spectacle of himself by throwing a tantrum in the grocery store.
- He made a spectacle of himself at the wedding by drunkenly interrupting the speeches.
- They made a spectacle of themselves with their outrageous costumes at the costume party.
- If you wear that outrageous outfit, you'll make a spectacle of yourself at the event.
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