make a big thing out of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Idiom: make a big thing out of

The idiom "make a big thing out of" is a common expression used in informal contexts. It is typically used when someone is seen as overreacting or exaggerating the importance or significance of a situation or event. The phrase is derived from the verb "make" which means to cause or create something, and the adjective "big" which denotes size or importance. The word "thing" in the idiom is used in a general sense to refer to any event, situation, or issue. The preposition "out of" indicates that the person is making a bigger deal or fuss than necessary or warranted.

When someone "makes a big thing out of" something, they are blowing it out of proportion and making a mountain out of a molehill. It's as if they are taking a small, insignificant situation and turning it into a huge, dramatic ordeal. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is prone to exaggerating or making a big deal out of nothing. For example, if someone drops a plate and the person reacts as if it's the end of the world, you can say that they are making a big thing out of it.

On the other hand, "make a big thing out of" can also be used to emphasize the significance or importance of a certain event or situation. It is a way of saying that something is a big deal and should be treated as such. For instance, if someone wins an award and you want to recognize their accomplishment, you can say that they made a big thing out of it and celebrated in a big way.

Another related idiom is "in a big way." This phrase is used to describe doing something to a great extent or with great enthusiasm. It is often used to talk about doing something in a grand or extravagant manner. When someone "makes a big thing out of" something "in a big way," they are not only exaggerating its importance but also going all out to make it significant. An example of this would be someone planning a surprise party for their friend's birthday and organizing it in a big way, with decorations, a live band, and lots of food and drinks.

When someone "makes a big thing out of" something, they can also make an ass of themselves. This idiom means to behave foolishly or make a spectacle of oneself. It implies that the person's exaggerated reaction or over-the-top behavior is embarrassing or unnecessary. For example, if someone makes a big thing out of a minor mistake they made at work and starts blaming themselves excessively or seeking attention, you can say that they are making an ass of themselves.

Additionally, "make a big thing out of" can make all the difference in a situation. This idiom means that something has a significant impact or outcome. It suggests that the exaggeration or emphasis placed on a certain event or situation can have a profound effect on the overall outcome. For instance, if a team is playing a championship game and the coach motivates them to make a big thing out of it by highlighting the importance of the game and the potential rewards, it can make all the difference in their performance.

Lastly, when someone "makes a big thing out of" something, they are not only exaggerating its importance but also making a meal of it. This idiom means to make something overly complex or difficult. It implies that the person is unnecessarily complicating a situation or task. For example, if someone is given a simple task at work and they spend hours overanalyzing and overthinking it, you can say that they are making a meal of it.

The idiom "make a big thing out of" is commonly used in spoken English and informal writing, such as conversations, social media posts, and blogs. Although the origins of the idiom and its exact usage in American English are not clearly documented, its widespread use suggests that it has become a part of the everyday language for many English speakers.

When encountering the idiom "make a big thing out of," it is important to consider the context in order to accurately interpret its meaning. While the phrase may indicate exaggeration or unwarranted fuss, it can also be used to highlight the importance or significance of a situation. Understanding the nuances of this idiom can enhance one's understanding of casual English expressions, allowing for clearer communication and interpretation.