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#2 (permalink) Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:55 pm meaning of the phrase "make a show of something" |
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| KLPNO wrote: |
| Does the phrase "Making a show of looking at his sleeve" mean that he is looking at his sleeve in a very exaggerated way or does it mean that he pretends that he's looking at it? |
Both meanings are possible, since that is what the quoted expression suggests. |
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Conchita Language Coach

Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 2826 Location: Madrid, Spain
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#3 (permalink) Fri Nov 23, 2007 13:15 pm meaning of the phrase "make a show of something" |
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Hi KLPNO
I don't think "pretend" fits the context very well here. He didn't pretend to look, he actually looked. When you make a show of doing something, you do it in a very conspicuous/obvious/ostentatious manner. . _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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#4 (permalink) Fri Nov 23, 2007 19:43 pm meaning of the phrase "make a show of something" |
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| Conchita wrote: |
| KLPNO wrote: |
| Does the phrase "Making a show of looking at his sleeve" mean that he is looking at his sleeve in a very exaggerated way or does it mean that he pretends that he's looking at it? |
Both meanings are possible, since that is what the quoted expression suggests. |
Thank you very much, Conchita. |
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Klpno I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 17 Jun 2007 Posts: 485
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#5 (permalink) Fri Nov 23, 2007 19:44 pm meaning of the phrase "make a show of something" |
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| Yankee wrote: |
Hi KLPNO
I don't think "pretend" fits the context very well here. He didn't pretend to look, he actually looked. When you make a show of doing something, you do it in a very conspicuous/obvious/ostentatious manner. . |
HI AMY Thank you very much. |
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Klpno I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 17 Jun 2007 Posts: 485
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