Make great/much play of something
phrase
To emphasize or make a big deal out of something, often more than necessary.
She made great play of her efforts to save the environment.
Often appears as...
- make great play of efforts
- make great play of achievements
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To make a show of one's knowledge or skills in an exaggerated way.
He made much play of his software programming skills during the job interview.
Often appears as...
- make great play of skills
- make great play of knowledge
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To emphasize or make a big deal out of something, often more than necessary.
She made great play of her efforts to save the environment.
Often appears as...
- make great play of efforts
- make great play of achievements
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To make a show of one's knowledge or skills in an exaggerated way.
He made much play of his software programming skills during the job interview.
Often appears as...
- make great play of skills
- make great play of knowledge
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subtly Criticizing
Can imply disapproval by suggesting someone is overemphasizing something trivial.
She made much play of her minor role in the project, which irked her teammates.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Focus
Used to steer a conversation toward a particular subject the speaker wants to highlight.
During the meeting, he made great play of his department's success to impress the investors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
May emotionally charge the conversation, for positive or negative effect.
She made great play of her hardships, eliciting sympathy from the audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtly Criticizing
Can imply disapproval by suggesting someone is overemphasizing something trivial.
She made much play of her minor role in the project, which irked her teammates.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Focus
Used to steer a conversation toward a particular subject the speaker wants to highlight.
During the meeting, he made great play of his department's success to impress the investors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
May emotionally charge the conversation, for positive or negative effect.
She made great play of her hardships, eliciting sympathy from the audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtly Criticizing
Can imply disapproval by suggesting someone is overemphasizing something trivial.
She made much play of her minor role in the project, which irked her teammates.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Focus
Used to steer a conversation toward a particular subject the speaker wants to highlight.
During the meeting, he made great play of his department's success to impress the investors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
May emotionally charge the conversation, for positive or negative effect.
She made great play of her hardships, eliciting sympathy from the audience.
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