make an ass of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make an ass of’ mean?
The idiom "make an ass of" means to behave foolishly, embarrassing oneself in front of others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put one's foot in someone's ass" means to severely reprimand or physically confront someone for their actions or behavior.
Meaning: To say or do something embarrassing, foolish or inappropriate inadvertently.
The idiom "play the fool" means to act silly or foolish, often for amusement or as a way to hide one's true thoughts or intentions.
The idiom "play the fool" is a common phrase used in the English language. It is often used to describe someone who acts foolishly or pretends to be ignorant or naive in a particular situation. The phrase can be traced back to the early 16th century and has remained in popular usage ever since.
The idiom "mess up" means to make a mistake or to do something incorrectly, often resulting in a negative or chaotic outcome.
The idiom *make strange* refers to the act of behaving in an unfriendly or unfamiliar way towards someone. It suggests a change in one's attitude or demeanor towards another person, often leading to a strained or awkward relationship.
The idiom "make something of oneself" means to achieve success or become accomplished in a particular field, often through hard work and determination.
The idiom "make shit of" means to completely ruin or destroy something, often through careless or reckless actions.
The idiom "make game of" means to mock or ridicule someone or something in a light-hearted or playful manner. It implies making fun of someone or something without being overly harsh or hurtful.
The idiom "make fun of" means to mock or ridicule someone or something in a lighthearted or derogatory manner.
The idiom "make fun of" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is often used to describe the act of teasing or mocking someone or something, usually in a playful manner. The phrase consists of two words, each contributing to its overall meaning.
The idiom "make faces" means to distort one's face in an exaggerated or funny way to express emotions like disgust, annoyance, or humor.
Unveiling the Folly of Turning an Ass
The idiom "make a show of oneself" is closely related to the expression "make an ass of." Both idioms convey the concept of embarrassing oneself or drawing attention through foolish behavior. While "make an ass of" emphasizes the idea of making a mistake or being ridiculed, "make a show of oneself" puts emphasis on the individual's intentional actions to gain attention or appear foolish. It suggests a deliberate effort to draw the spotlight, often resulting in embarrassment or humiliation.
A person who "makes a show of oneself" might engage in attention-seeking behavior, such as speaking loudly, dressing flamboyantly, or performing silly acts. This idiomatic expression captures the essence of trying too hard to impress or entertain, ultimately inviting ridicule or disdain from others.
In a similar vein, the idiom "make an exhibition of oneself" conveys a similar sentiment to "make an ass of." The phrase implies that someone is willingly putting themselves on display in a way that is embarrassing or undignified. Just like "make an ass of," this idiom highlights the potential consequences of engaging in thoughtless or attention-seeking behavior, which may result in being made a fool of or becoming the subject of mockery.
Another related idiom is "make a monkey out of," which shares similarities with "make an ass of" in terms of conveying a sense of being made a fool of or being deceived. However, "make a monkey out of" often implies that someone else is responsible for making another person look foolish or foolishly taking advantage of them. It suggests that someone has been tricked or manipulated into behaving in a way that exposes their lack of judgment or intelligence.
Similarly, the idiom "make a spectacle of oneself" conveys the idea of drawing attention to oneself in a way that is embarrassing or undignified. It suggests that someone's actions or behavior are so outlandish or attention-grabbing that they become the focal point of attention, often resulting in ridicule or humiliation.
The final related idiom is "make a mockery of," which shares the concept of making oneself look foolish or failing in a way that invites ridicule. However, "make a mockery of" can also refer to someone who deliberately undermines or ridicules something else, making it seem foolish or lacking in quality.
The idiom "make an ass of" is a powerful expression that encapsulates the act of embarrassing oneself or making a foolish mistake. It is closely related to idioms such as "make a show of oneself," "make an exhibition of oneself," "make a monkey out of," "make a spectacle of oneself," and "make a mockery of." These idioms all convey the idea of behaving in a way that invites ridicule, embarrassment, or humiliation. Whether it is through intentional attention-seeking behavior or unintentional mistakes, these idioms serve as reminders of our human fallibility and the potential consequences of our actions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *make an ass of* can be used in a sentence:
1. He made an ass of himself by telling that embarrassing story at the party.
2. The comedian's crude jokes made an ass of him in front of the audience.
3. I didn't want to make an ass of myself, so I double-checked all the facts before giving my presentation.
More "Embarrassment" idioms
