Make a fool of


Also, make an ass or monkey out of. Cause someone or oneself to look foolish or stupid. For example, John doesn’t mind making a fool of himself at parties, or They made an ass of me by giving me the wrong instructions, or Just watch him make a monkey out of this amateur chess player. The use of fool and ass date from the early 1600s; the latter is sometimes put more rudely as make a horse’s ass of, alluding to a horse’s behind. The use of monkey dates from about 1900.

Read Also:

  • Make a fortune

    Also, make a small fortune. Earn a great deal of money, as in He made a fortune on the stock market. Similar expressions are be worth a fortune or small fortune, as in Now that their parents have died, they’re worth a small fortune. Make a fortune dates from about 1700, and its use with […]

  • Make after

    verb 1. (intransitive, preposition) (archaic) to set off in pursuit of; chase

  • Make a fuss

    1. Cause a needless commotion or display, as in I’m sure he’ll be here soon; please don’t make a fuss. It is also often put as make a fuss about or over, as in He’s making a fuss about nothing, or If you make a fuss over the small budget items, what will it be […]

  • Make a go of

    verb phrase To achieve success in: to make a go of the list book business (1877+) Achieve success in, as in He has made a go of his new business. This expression was first recorded in 1877.

  • Make a hash of something

    verb phrase To make a jumble of; mangle; botch: The newspapers made a total hash of what I had said (1735+)


Disclaimer: Make a fool of definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.