dare spettacolo

Italian

Etymology

Literally, "to give spectacle." Compare French se donner en spectacle and Portuguese dar espetáculo.

Verb

dare spettacolo

1. (intransitive) to try to demonstrate one's skills or bravura; to show off

   Synonyms: farsi notare, sfoggiare, fare sfoggio, pavoneggiarsi, grandeggiare

2. Template:indtr to show off; to parade

   Synonyms: sfoggiare, esibire; see also Thesaurus:mettere in mostra

   dare spettacolo della sua muscolatura

   to show off his muscles

3. (intransitive) to attract the attention of others by behaving embarrassingly or foolishly; to make a fool of oneself

Usage notes

• In the sense of "to make a fool of oneself," sometimes followed by di sé for emphasis.