make light of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make light of it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is treating a serious situation in a trivial or dismissive manner. Example: "Even though the accident was serious, she chose to make light of it, joking about how it could have been worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Ryan, of Wisconsin, tried to make light of it.

The New York Times

Does it help to make light of it?

The New York Times - Magazine

He'd make light of it in his monologues.

The New York Times - Books

"You've got to make light of it some days".

The New York Times

She laughed and tried to make light of it.

The New York Times - Style

Kim tried to make light of it all.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Ah, a speed bump," he said, making light of it.

The New Yorker

"It's not that I'm making light of it.

The Guardian

The senator later owned up, making light of it.

The Guardian

They understand that they are not the finished article but they are making light of it.

Independent

Ex-colleagues including George Osborne have made light of it; she has hit back.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “make light of it” when you want to convey that someone is trying to find humor or reduce the seriousness of a situation, often as a coping mechanism or to ease tension.

Common error

Avoid using “make light of it” when discussing sensitive or tragic events, as it can be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive of others' feelings. Consider the impact your words may have on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “make light of it” functions as an idiomatic expression. It is used to describe the act of treating a serious or potentially negative situation in a humorous or trivial way. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “make light of it” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of downplaying the seriousness of a situation, often through humor or trivialization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. However, it's important to remember that while it can be a coping mechanism or a way to ease tension, it's not always appropriate and can be perceived as insensitive in certain situations. Consider using alternatives like "downplay it" or "minimize the situation" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downplay it

Focuses on reducing the perceived importance or seriousness of something.

minimize the situation

Emphasizes reducing something to its smallest possible significance.

brush it off

Implies dismissing something quickly and casually.

take it lightly

Suggests not treating something seriously.

trivialize it

Highlights the act of making something seem unimportant.

gloss over it

Indicates avoiding scrutiny by presenting something superficially.

soften the blow

Aims to reduce the negative impact or severity of something.

laugh it off

Suggests using humor to cope with a difficult situation.

underestimate it

Implies judging something as less significant than it truly is.

disregard it

Suggests ignoring something completely.

FAQs

How can I use "make light of it" in a sentence?

You can use "make light of it" to describe someone who is trying to find humor in a difficult situation. For example: "Even though she was nervous, she tried to "make light of it" by cracking jokes."

What are some alternatives to "make light of it"?

Some alternatives to "make light of it" include "downplay it", "minimize the situation", or "brush it off". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to "make light of it"?

No, it's not always appropriate to "make light of it". In serious or tragic situations, it can be seen as insensitive. Consider the context and the feelings of others before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "make light of it" and "ignore it"?

"Make light of it" means to try to find humor or downplay the seriousness of something, while "ignore it" means to completely disregard or pay no attention to it. They are different ways of responding to a situation.