- (to make a fuss about): make a federal case of, make a meal of, make a production of, make a song and dance about, blow out of proportion
When we communicate with others, we often use idioms to express our thoughts and feelings. Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning. One such idiom is “make a big thing out of”. This phrase is used when someone exaggerates or overreacts to a situation, making it seem more important than it actually is.
To begin with, let’s take a closer look at the individual words that make up this idiom. The word “make” refers to creating or causing something to happen. The word “big” means large or significant, while “thing” refers to an object or event. Finally, the word “out of” indicates that something has been created from another material or source.
Putting these words together gives us the idiomatic expression “make a big thing out of”, which implies that someone has taken an ordinary situation and turned it into something much more significant than it needs to be.
Now that we have established what this idiom means let’s delve deeper into its usage in everyday conversation.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “make a big thing out of”
The idiom “make a big thing out of” is commonly used in English to describe someone who is overreacting or exaggerating something that is not really important. The origins of this phrase are unclear, but it has been used for many years in both spoken and written English.
The Evolution of Language
Language is constantly evolving, and idioms like “make a big thing out of” are no exception. Over time, words and phrases change their meanings or fall out of use altogether. It’s possible that the original meaning behind this idiom has been lost to history.
Cultural Influences
The way we use language can also be influenced by cultural factors. For example, different regions may have unique idioms that reflect local customs or traditions. It’s possible that the idiom “make a big thing out of” originated from a specific cultural context before becoming more widely used.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “make a big thing out of”
When we say someone is making a big thing out of something, it means they are exaggerating its importance or significance. This idiom can be used in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional settings.
Relationships
In personal relationships, people often make a big thing out of small issues. For example, if your partner forgets to call you back, you might get upset and accuse them of not caring about you. In reality, they may have just been busy with work or forgot to check their phone.
This idiom can also apply to family dynamics. Parents may make a big thing out of their child’s grades or behavior at school, putting unnecessary pressure on them and causing stress.
Workplace
In the workplace, employees may make a big thing out of minor mistakes made by colleagues or superiors. This can create tension and conflict within the team and affect productivity.
The idiom can also refer to situations where someone is overly concerned with appearances or status symbols at work. For example, an employee who constantly talks about their expensive car or designer clothes may be accused of making a big thing out of material possessions.
Variations:
There are several variations of this idiom that convey similar meanings:
- “Make a mountain out of a molehill”: Exaggerating the importance or seriousness of something small
- “Blow things out of proportion”: Overreacting to something insignificant
- “Make too much fuss about”: Making excessive noise or commotion over something trivial
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “make a big thing out of”
When we say someone is “making a big thing out of” something, it means they are exaggerating its importance or making a fuss over something that isn’t really a big deal. This idiom can be used in various situations, from personal relationships to professional settings.
There are several synonyms for this idiom, such as “blowing things out of proportion,” “overreacting,” or “making a mountain out of a molehill.” On the other hand, antonyms include phrases like “downplaying,” “understating,” or simply saying that someone is taking things in stride.
Understanding cultural insights related to this idiom can also be helpful. For example, some cultures value modesty and humility more than others. In these cultures, people might be less likely to make a big deal out of their accomplishments or draw attention to themselves. Conversely, in other cultures where self-promotion is more accepted and even expected, people may be more prone to making a big thing out of their achievements.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “make a big thing out of”
Exercise 1: Write down three situations where someone might “make a big thing out of” something. For each situation, explain why they might do so.
Example:
Situation: A friend cancels plans at the last minute.
Explanation: The person who was looking forward to these plans may feel disappointed or upset that their friend cancelled, causing them to “make a big thing out of” it by expressing their frustration or disappointment.
Exercise 2: Use the idiom “make a big thing out of” in a sentence. Try using it in different tenses and with different subjects (I, you, he/she/it, we, they).
Example:
- I made a big thing out of my birthday party because I wanted everything to be perfect.
- You always make such a big thing out of little mistakes!
- He made a big thing out of his promotion at work by throwing himself an extravagant celebration.
- We shouldn’t make such a big thing out of small disagreements – let’s just move on!
Exercise 3: Watch TV shows or movies and try to identify when characters use this idiom. Pay attention to how they use it and what context it is used in. This will help you get more comfortable recognizing and using the phrase yourself.
Note:
Remember that idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning beyond their literal definition. “Make a big thing out of” does not mean to physically create something large, but rather to exaggerate or overreact to a situation. Keep this in mind when using the idiom in conversation!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “make a big thing out of”
When using the idiom “make a big thing out of”, it is important to understand its meaning and usage in context. However, there are common mistakes that people make when using this idiom that can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
One mistake is using the idiom too frequently or in inappropriate situations. It is important to use idioms sparingly and only when they are appropriate for the situation. Overusing an idiom can make it lose its impact and come across as insincere or forced.
Another mistake is not understanding the nuances of the idiom. While “make a big thing out of” generally means to exaggerate or overreact, there may be subtle differences in meaning depending on the context. It is important to pay attention to these nuances in order to use the idiom correctly.
A third mistake is not considering cultural differences when using idioms. Idioms can vary greatly between cultures, and what may be understood in one culture may not translate well into another. It is important to be aware of these differences and adjust language accordingly.