The Meaning of “Make Strange”
“Make strange” is an idiom that means to act in a way that is unusual or unexpected, causing discomfort or confusion for those around you. It can also refer to behaving coldly or distantly towards someone who was once familiar or close.
Examples of Usage
This idiom can be used in a variety of situations. For example:
- If someone suddenly starts acting strangely at work, their colleagues might say they are making strange.
- If a friend begins avoiding you without explanation, you might wonder why they are making strange.
- If someone behaves rudely towards their family members after returning from a long trip abroad, their loved ones might say they are making strange.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “make strange”
The phrase “make strange” is an idiom that has been used for centuries to describe a particular behavior or reaction. This idiom has its roots in the English language, but it has also been used in other languages such as French, Spanish, and German.
The origins of this idiom are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from the idea of something being unfamiliar or unknown. In historical contexts, people often encountered new things that were different from what they were accustomed to. This could be anything from meeting someone from a different culture to encountering a new type of food.
When faced with these unfamiliar situations, people would often react by making strange or unusual gestures or expressions. These reactions were seen as a way to cope with the unfamiliarity of their surroundings.
Over time, this behavior became associated with the phrase “make strange.” Today, this idiom is still used to describe someone who is acting strangely or unusually in response to something new or unfamiliar.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “make strange”
When it comes to idioms, there are often multiple variations that can be used in different contexts. The same is true for the idiom “make strange.” This phrase has a variety of meanings depending on how it’s used and who is using it.
One common usage of “make strange” is to describe a situation where two people who were once close have become distant or estranged from each other. For example, you might say that two old friends have made strange if they haven’t spoken in years and no longer keep in touch.
Another variation of this idiom involves describing someone’s behavior as odd or unusual. In this context, you might say that someone is making strange if they’re acting strangely or doing something out of character.
Additionally, “make strange” can also refer to a feeling of discomfort or unease when encountering something unfamiliar or foreign. For instance, you might feel like an outsider at a party where everyone else knows each other well – in this case, you could say that the atmosphere makes you feel strange.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “make strange”
One synonym for “make strange” is “alienate”, which means to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged from others. Another synonym is “distance”, which implies creating emotional distance between oneself and another person or thing. On the other hand, an antonym for “make strange” would be “familiarize”, meaning to make someone feel comfortable with something they were previously unfamiliar with.
Cultural insights also play a significant role in understanding the usage of this idiom. In some cultures, it is considered rude or impolite to show too much familiarity towards strangers or acquaintances. Therefore, if you notice someone becoming distant after you’ve been overly friendly with them, it could be because you made them uncomfortable by being too familiar.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “make strange”
Activities to Improve Your Understanding of “Make Strange”
If you want to master the idiom “make strange,” it’s essential to practice using it in different contexts. Here are some practical exercises that can help you improve your understanding of this expression:
- Create a dialogue between two people where one person accuses the other of making strange.
- Write a short story that involves a character who is constantly making strange.
- Watch movies or TV shows and identify instances where characters use the idiom “make strange.”
Role-Playing Scenarios for Using “Make Strange”
The best way to learn how to use an idiom is by practicing it in real-life situations. Here are some role-playing scenarios that can help you become more comfortable with using “make strange” in conversations:
- You’re at work, and your colleague keeps avoiding eye contact with you. Use the idiom “make strange” to ask them if everything is okay.
- Your friend has been acting distant lately, and you want to know why. Use the idiom “make strange” to express your concern.
- You’re on a date, and your partner seems nervous and fidgety. Use the idiom “make strange” to ask them if they’re feeling uncomfortable.
By practicing these exercises and scenarios regularly, you’ll be able to confidently use the idiomatic expression “make strange” in various situations without hesitation!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “make strange”
Avoid Using “Make Strange” Literally
The first mistake to avoid when using the idiom “make strange” is taking it too literally. This phrase does not mean physically making something or someone appear unfamiliar or odd. Instead, it means that a person is behaving in an unusual or unfriendly manner towards someone they know well.
Avoid Confusing It with Other Idioms
Another common mistake is confusing the idiom “make strange” with other similar idioms such as “strange bedfellows” or “stranger danger”. These phrases have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.