make a martyr of (someone)

to treat someone badly with the result that other people feel sympathy for them.

The government knows that if they stop him standing in the elections they will make a martyr of him from the point of view of the international community.

• You could have knocked me over with a feather!
• you could hear a pin drop
• you couldn't have asked for anything more
• you couldn't have asked for more
• You could've fooled me.
• You'd better believe it!
• you don't need this
• you have got to be kidding
• you haven't lived
• you haven't lived until
• you haven't lived until something
• You have to be cruel to be kind.
• You have to hand it to
• You have to hand it to someone
• you know
• You live and learn.
• You'll catch death!
• You'll catch death of cold!
• you'll catch it
• You'll catch your death!
• You'll catch your death of cold!
• You'll never hear the end of it.
• You mark my words.
• you may as well
• you may as well do something