make a meal of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make a meal of’ mean?
The idiom "make a meal of" means to make something more difficult or complicated than it needs to be.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take a bite out of" means to reduce or lessen something, usually by a significant amount.
The idiom "roughen up" means to make something or someone rough or more aggressive, usually by adding force or intensity. It can also refer to making something appear more rugged or worn.
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
The idiom "play hob with" means to cause trouble or disruption, often leading to negative consequences or difficulties.
The idiom "piece of cake" means that something is very easy to do or accomplish.
An idiom that means to expand or increase the length or content of something, often by adding unnecessary or unimportant details.
The idiom "over one's head" means to be too difficult or complex for someone to understand or comprehend.
The idiom "make a spectacle of oneself" means to behave in a way that attracts attention and makes one look foolish or embarrassing.
The idiom "make a silk purse of a sow's ear" means to try to improve something that is inherently flawed or of poor quality, often by using clever techniques or skills. It implies attempting to transform something unpleasant or unimpressive into something valuable or desirable, though the outcome may not always be successful.
The idiom "make a scene" means to create a loud or disruptive situation in public, often drawing attention and causing embarrassment or discomfort.
Unraveling the Episodic Elaboration
The idiom "make a meal of" is often used to describe someone who exaggerates or prolongs a situation unnecessarily, turning a small problem into a larger one. The phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person in question is overreacting or being overly dramatic.
While the exact origin of this idiom is unclear, it is believed to have derived from the idea of taking longer than necessary to eat a meal, thus stretching the process and making it more complicated than it needs to be.
The phrase gained popularity and figurative usage over time, becoming a common idiom in the English language. It is often used in informal contexts, such as conversations among friends or in casual writing.
Furthermore, "make a meal of" is used to criticize or mock someone for their excessive behavior or dramatic tendencies. It implies that the person is unnecessarily making a big thing out of something that could be resolved much more easily or quickly.
The idiom "make a big thing out of" is closely related to "make a meal of." Both phrases convey the idea of exaggerating or amplifying the significance of an event or situation. While "make a meal of" specifically relates to overreacting or being overly dramatic, "make a big thing out of" is a more general expression that can be used in a variety of contexts. It suggests that someone is making a situation more important or significant than it needs to be.
Similarly, "make a night of it" is another idiom that shares a similar meaning with "make a meal of." It refers to the act of extending or prolonging an event, often for the purpose of enjoying oneself or making the most of the occasion. Just as someone can make a meal more complicated and time-consuming than necessary, they can also make a night out more elaborate or extravagant than anticipated.
Overall, the idiom "make a meal of" signifies the act of exaggerating or elongating a situation unnecessarily, often resulting in unnecessary complications or difficulties. Its figurative meaning reflects the idea of prolonging a meal, turning it into a more complicated and time-consuming process than it needs to be. While the exact origin of the idiom remains uncertain, it has become a widely used expression in the English language, capturing the idea of overreacting or being overly dramatic.
In exploring the origins and meaning of the idiom "make a meal of," one is left contemplating the fascinating nature of language and how idiomatic expressions have evolved over time. It invites us to consider the intricate relationship between language and culture, as well as the nuances and richness of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make a meal of" can be used in a sentence:
- He always makes a meal of simple tasks, taking much longer than necessary.
- She made a meal of explaining the directions, confusing everyone in the process.
- The teacher made a meal of praising the student's artwork, giving an elaborate and detailed critique.
More "Exaggeration" idioms
