mettersi in mostra
The English phrase 'show off' is translated into Italian as mettersi in mostra.
The phrase mettersi in mostra means to behave in a way that attracts attention to one's own abilities or possessions. Other Italian expressions can convey similar ideas of boasting or flaunting: Fare sfoggio di qualcosa is used to describe the act of parading or flaunting something, particularly material possessions. Fare il fico is a colloquial way to describe someone trying to impress others. And the idiom Sparare fumo negli occhi refers to people who boast or exaggerate their achievements without having much substance to back up their words.
Did you know?
- The verb mostrare comes from the Latin 'monstrare', which is the root for the English word 'monster'.
- In Italian, the verb mettere is used in many contrary ways. While mettersi in mostra means to expose oneself, mettere in ombra means to overshadow someone else's achievements.
- In a highly informal setting, if someone is acting like a 'show off', a teenager might call them un esibizionista, which literally means 'an exhibitionist'.
Examples in context
- Marco fa sempre sfoggio della sua macchina nuova senza rendersi conto di quanto sia irritante agli occhi degli altri.Marco always makes a show of his new car without realizing how irritating it is to others.
- Non c'è bisogno di vantarti dei tuoi successi, le persone intelligenti se ne renderanno conto da sole.There is no need to show off your achievements, smart people will figure it out on their own.
- Giovanni fa sempre il fico quando si avvicina una ragazza.Giovanni always tries to show off when a girl is around.
- Non deve sempre mettersi in mostra.He doesn't always have to show off.
- È stanco di mettersi in mostra con la sua nuova auto.He is tired of showing off with his new car.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are talking about a coworker at a party.
- FrancescoQuel ragazzo continua a mettersi in mostra.That guy keeps showing off.
- ChiaraSì, è davvero un po' arrogante.Yes, he is really a bit arrogant.
- FrancescoVuole attirare l'attenzione di tutti.He wants to attract everyone's attention.
- ChiaraLo vedo, non smette mai.I see it, he never stops.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, mettersi, mettersi in mostra, mostra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
