# make an exhibition of oneself

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-an-exhibition-of-oneself
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To embarrass oneself or others in public by behaving foolishly.

## Examples

- He drank too much and made an exhibition of himself.
- She was so nervous at the party that she made an exhibition of herself by tripping over the rug.
- The young diplomat, unused to strong wine and formal occasions, made an exhibition of himself at the state dinner, and was quietly recalled the following week.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.