make something of
make (something) (out) of (someone or something)
1. To create something from someone or something. I made this table out of oak. I'm going to make a sci-fi fan of you if it’s the last thing I do!
2. To consider, interpret, or form an opinion about someone or something. Can you make any sense out of this note that Jeffrey left behind? So, what do you make of the new intern? Is he up to snuff?
3. To create or instigate an argument or dispute out of something. It was just a joke, Tom. I don't understand why you're trying to make something bigger out of it. A: "Did I overhear you trash talking Johnny Cash?" B: "Yeah, you wanna make something of it?"
See also: make, of
make something of (oneself)
To become successful through one's own initiative or efforts. Valerie went back to school because she wanted to make something of herself before it was too late.
See also: make, of, something
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
See also: make, of, something
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
make something of
To start a fight or quarrel over.
See also: make, of, something
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- (someone or something) promises well
- (have) got something going (with someone)
- a thing of the past
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- accompanied by
- accompanied by (someone or something)
- accompany
- a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down