# show up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/show-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make visible or expose faults and deficiencies in, usually by outdoing, outperforming, or outcompeting another.

## Examples

- The rookie's skill showed up the veteran player.
- Her perfect presentation showed up her colleague, who had not prepared at all.
- The young pianist's flawless performance showed up the reigning champion, revealing every crack in his once-untouchable reputation.

---

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.