act the maggot

act the maggot

1. To behave comically or playfully, often to amuse others. Primarily heard in Ireland. If you continue to act the maggot, you're going to have to leave the classroom. Joe never acts the maggot—he's always so serious.
2. To behave irresponsibly or immaturely, especially in an environment where it is especially inappropriate. Primarily heard in Ireland. Don't let me catch any of you kids acting the maggot at the funeral. We finally get invited to a nice dinner party and you have to go and act the maggot—what's wrong with you?
See also: act, maggot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

act the maggot

behave in a foolishly playful way. Irish informal
See also: act, maggot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • maggot
  • act/play the fool
  • act the fool
  • act the goat
  • act/play the goat
  • play the goat
  • do unto others
  • act your age
  • Act your age!
  • act (one's) age
References in periodicals archive
So if you're told, "don't come the raw prawn" imagine they're telling you not to act the maggot - and stop what you're doing immediately.
We should be so lucky; UNDERSTAND WHAT THOSE FLAMIN' GALAHS DOWN UNDER ARE SAYING?
The fact that we have such a strong panel, why act the maggot by celebrating too much?"
MAKING NO CASE FOR DEFENCE; Veteran Mayo ace aiming to keep out reigning champions Corofin
THE IRA's method of decommissioning was perfectly transparent - it was a transparent attempt to satisfy everyone except the DUP, who could then be guaranteed to rant, rave and act the maggot.
Newton Emerson: HANG ON!