make a spectacle of

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a spectacle of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it when you want to express the idea of someone publicly embarrassing someone else, or acting in a way that is likely to draw attention from onlookers. For example, "He made a spectacle of himself by dancing in the middle of the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

How better to make a spectacle of yourself?

The New Yorker

In Canada, you can't make a spectacle of yourself.

The New Yorker

She gave Humphries the license to make a spectacle of himself.

The New Yorker

They knew how to make a spectacle of themselves and of their cause.

The New Yorker

You have to let other people make a spectacle of you for you.

The New Yorker

Even so, it was Herrema who managed to make a spectacle of herself.

The Guardian - Music

We can hold our knives and forks properly and we don't make a spectacle of ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are voluptuously comfortable, and to sit on them is to make a spectacle of one's ease.

The New Yorker

The Jets did not need to make a spectacle of themselves, either on television or in their own locker room.

The New York Times - Sports

If I make a spectacle of myself on the plane, it's usually worse when I have to get my luggage.

The New York Times

But whether he will really try to make a spectacle of Mr Martinelli is a matter of debate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a spectacle of" to describe situations where someone is behaving in a way that is overly dramatic, attention-seeking, or embarrassing in a public setting. It often carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "make a spectacle of" in situations where the attention-grabbing behavior is positive or celebratory. The phrase typically implies disapproval or embarrassment.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "make a spectacle of" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating a public display that is often perceived as foolish, embarrassing, or overly dramatic. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a spectacle of" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe creating an embarrassing or overly dramatic public display. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, but most frequently in News & Media. The phrase carries a negative connotation and is best used to criticize or disapprove of attention-seeking behavior. Remember to avoid using it in positive contexts and consider alternative phrases like "make a scene" or "draw attention to" if a different nuance is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a public display of

More literal and emphasizes the open, visible nature of the action.

make a scene

Focuses more on creating a disturbance or disruption, often emotionally charged.

make an exhibition of

Highlights the act of displaying something, often in a boastful or inappropriate way.

ham it up

Implies exaggerated or theatrical behavior, often for comedic effect.

put on a show

Implies a deliberate performance or display, often for entertainment or deception.

grandstand

Refers specifically to acting in a way to impress onlookers, often in politics or sports.

create a stir

Focuses on causing excitement or controversy, rather than a visual display.

cause a sensation

Suggests a widespread and intense reaction to something.

call attention to

Similar to "draw attention to" but with a slightly more intentional or deliberate connotation.

draw attention to

Neutral; simply highlights something without necessarily implying negativity or excess.

FAQs

How can I use "make a spectacle of" in a sentence?

You can use "make a spectacle of" to describe someone behaving in an ostentatious or embarrassing way in public. For example, "He "made a spectacle of himself" by arguing loudly with the waiter."

What's the difference between "make a spectacle of" and "make a show of"?

"Make a spectacle of" usually implies negative attention or embarrassment, while "make a show of" can refer to a deliberate display, not necessarily negative. You can "make a show of kindness", but you wouldn't typically "make a spectacle of" kindness.

What are some alternatives to "make a spectacle of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "make a scene", "draw attention to", or "put on a show".

Is it always negative to "make a spectacle of" something?

Yes, the phrase "make a spectacle of" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is behaving in a way that is embarrassing, attention-seeking, or inappropriate. It's rarely used in a positive or neutral sense.