Phrasal verb
show off
Meanings
To try to impress others by displaying your skills, achievements, or possessions.
To display something proudly so that other people notice it.
Definition
To show off means to try to impress other people by displaying your abilities, possessions, or appearance.
To show off is to behave in a way that attracts attention because you want others to admire you. People often show off by talking about achievements, demonstrating skills, or displaying something expensive or new. It can sound playful in some situations, but it is often mildly negative when it seems arrogant.
Examples
- I’m not trying to show off, but I finally solved the puzzle in under a minute.
- You don’t need to show off your new shoes at every party.
- He loves to show off when his friends come over.
- She showed off her paintings at the community center.
- They were showing off by doing tricks on their bikes after school.
Common mistake
Learners often use "show" instead of "show off" and miss the meaning of trying to impress, e.g., saying "He showed his car" when they mean "He showed off his car."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.