# make strange

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-strange
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave in a shy, uncommunicative, resistant manner when encountering an unfamiliar person or situation.

## Examples

- My toddler starts to make strange whenever a new babysitter arrives.
- When the neighbors came over to visit, the baby began to make strange and hid behind her mother.
- The child, usually quite outgoing, began to make strange as the unfamiliar guests entered the room, clinging tightly to his father's leg for comfort.

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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.