make a production of something
make a production (out) of (something)
To make something much more elaborate, complicated, and/or difficult than it is or needs to be. We're just going for a drive into the countryside for the afternoon. I don't know why you're making a big production out of it. The bosses always like to make a big production of our weekly meetings, when they could just save us all the time and send the information in an email.
See also: make, of, production
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
make a production of something
If someone makes a production of something, they make it seem much more complicated, difficult or important than is necessary. I don't know why we insisted on making such a production of these dinners, because by the time Julian arrived we were always exhausted. He made a production of brushing his hands clean on his pant legs. Note: A production here is something such as a play or a musical.
See also: make, of, production, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- make a production (out) of (something)
- make a production of
- production
- in a small way
- (Do) you mean to say (that) (something is the case)?
- (Do) you mean to tell me (that) (something is the case)?
- make ready to (do something)
- give (someone) the royal treatment
- a nod is as good as a wink
- a nod's as good as a wink