Make something of
1.
Render important or useful; improve. For example, Dad hoped Tim would make something of himself. [ Late 1700s ]
2.
Give undue importance to something, especially a problem or disagreement, as in Ann decided to make something of it when Bob said women’s studies is not a real discipline . This usage sometimes is put as make something out of nothing , as in So what if Jim had coffee with your girlfriend—don’t make something out of nothing . For an antonym, see make nothing of , def. 1.
Read Also:
- Make something out of
verb phrase To interpret as a cause for combat; regard as a challenge or insult: So you heard what I said, huh? You want to make something out of it? (1940s+)
- Make something stick
verb phrase To cause an accusation, assertion, etc, to be believed; validate or prove something: They accused him of rape, but they’ll never make it stick (1932+)
- Make sport of
see: make fun of
- Make stick
Make effective or permanent, as in They tried to appeal but our lawyers made the verdict stick. This idiom uses stick in the sense of “adhere.” [ First half of 1900s ]
- Make the bed
Rearrange a bed and its coverings to its condition before it was slept in. For example, Mom taught us all to make the bed before we got dressed . Also see make one’s bed and lie in it