INDEX:
to show/let somebody see something
1. to let someone see something
2. to show someone where something is
3. to show information or measurements on a machine or sign
4. to show art, paintings, products etc to a lot of people
5. when paintings, art, products etc are shown publicly
6. to show someone a house, building, or place
7. to show someone something because you are proud of it
to show/be a sign of something
8. when something shows that something else is true
9. when something shows that something else is likely to be true
10. to show that someone or something is good
11. to show that someone or something is bad
12. to show that something is going to happen
to show your thoughts or feelings
13. to show your thoughts or feelings
14. to show your feelings, attitudes etc when you do not intend to
15. someone who usually shows what they feel and think
16. someone who does not usually show what they feel or think
17. to help someone or something show a particular feeling or quality
RELATED WORDS
opposite
↑ HIDE
see also
↑ POINT AT
↑ SEE
↑ EXPLAIN
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1. to let someone see something
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb]
to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them :
▪ Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.
show somebody something
▪ Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.
▪ Show me what you’re hiding under the desk, Johnny.
show somebody something
▪ You have to show the security guard your pass.
show something to somebody
▪ Neil showed his Pokemon card collection to Harry.
▷ let somebody see /ˌlet somebody ˈsiː/ [verb phrase] especially spoken
to show something to someone, especially because they have asked to see it :
▪ Could you let me see the menu?
▪ How would you feel if I wrote something about you, but I wouldn’t let you see it?
▪ Hold it up to the light and let me see what color it is.
▷ let somebody take a look also let somebody have a look British /ˌlet somebody teɪk ə ˈlʊk, ˌlet somebody hæv ə ˈlʊk/ [verb phrase]
to show something to someone, especially so that they can look at it closely, for example in order to fix it :
▪ At least let Mike take a look -- he might be able to help.
let sb take a look at
▪ Let me have a look at your necklace. Perhaps I can fix it.
▪ Take your shirt off, and let me take a look at that cut on your shoulder.
▷ present /prɪˈzent/ [transitive verb]
to show something such as an official document or ticket to someone in an official position :
▪ Please present your boarding card at the gate.
present something to somebody
▪ All passports must be presented to the immigration officer.
▷ produce /prəˈdjuːsǁ-ˈduːs/ [transitive verb] formal
to take something such as a ticket or official paper out of your pocket or bag and show it to someone in an official position :
▪ The man fired from the car window when he was asked by a police officer to produce a license for the weapon.
▪ Failure to produce a valid insurance certificate may result in criminal prosecution.
▷ flash /flæʃ/ [transitive verb]
to very quickly show something such as a ticket to someone when you are entering or leaving a place :
▪ He flashed his membership card as passed through the door.
flash something at somebody
▪ Two police officers burst in, the latter hurriedly flashing his ID card at her as they made their way upstairs.
▷ expose /ɪkˈspəʊz/ [transitive verb] formal
to let someone see something that is usually covered or hidden :
▪ The animal opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp white teeth.
▪ The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.
exposed [adjective]
▪ A freezing wind bit at her exposed legs, and she huddled closer to the fire.
▷ reveal /rɪˈviːl/ [transitive verb]
to let someone see something that is usually hidden or that they did not know was there :
▪ She lifted the lid of the box to reveal a life-size porcelain baby doll.
▪ A medical examination may reveal evidence of dietary deficiencies.
2. to show someone where something is
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb]
show (somebody) where
▪ The secretary showed him where to hang his coat.
▪ Please find enclosed a map showing where our offices are
show somebody something
▪ Uncle Joe showed me the best place to go fishing.
show somebody the way
▪ I’ll show you the way to the station. It’s not far.
▷ point to /ˈpɔɪnt tuː/ [verb phrase not in passive]
to show someone where someone or something is, by pointing towards it with your finger :
▪ He took out a map and pointed to the island.
▪ ‘The whiskey’s over there,’ Katie said, pointing to a bottle on the table.
▪ Can you point to the one you want?
▷ point out /ˌpɔɪnt ˈaʊt/ [transitive phrasal verb]
to show someone a particular person or thing that you want them to notice, especially by pointing towards it with your finger :
point out somebody/something
▪ As we drove through Baltimore, Mary pointed out the house where she was born.
point somebody/something out
▪ Which one’s your boss? Can you point her out?
point out something to somebody
▪ ‘Aren’t they beautiful?’ said the guide, pointing out the paintings on the ceiling to us.
point out something for somebody
▪ Once they’d been pointed out for me, I had no trouble identifying the major stars and planets.
▷ mark /mɑːʳk/ [transitive verb]
to show where something is by putting an object there or making a mark :
▪ Michael gave us a map of the city and marked some places of interest to visit.
▪ He put a slip of paper in his book to mark his page.
▪ A barbed wire fence marks the boundary between the two communities.
mark the spot
▪ The church marks the spot where St Peter died.
▷ indicate /ˈɪndɪkeɪt, ˈɪndəkeɪt/ [intransitive/transitive verb]
to show where something or someone is by pointing with part of your body :
▪ The Director indicated a small table, where the items were on display.
▪ ‘Shall we go in here?’ He indicated the coffee bar.
indicate (something) with something
▪ ‘That’s my boss,’ he said, indicating with a nod of his head.
3. to show information or measurements on a machine or sign
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb]
▪ The airline’s passenger brochure shows air-routes, aircraft speeds and arrival and departure times.
▪ A menu showing the options will appear on the computer screen.
▪ I think that clock must be showing the wrong time.
show that
▪ The graph shows that gas volume increases with temperature.
▷ say /seɪ/ [transitive verb not in passive] especially spoken
to show a particular distance, time, speed etc :
▪ Although we must have done about 100 miles, the petrol gauge still said half-full.
▪ What does your watch say? I think mine’s stopped.
▷ display /dɪˈspleɪ/ [transitive verb]
if a computer or sign displays information, it shows the information in a way that makes it easy to see or notice :
▪ Press ‘Enter’ to display the sorted mailing list.
▪ The licence must be clearly displayed in the car windscreen.
▷ indicate /ˈɪndɪkeɪt, ˈɪndəkeɪt/ [transitive verb]
if an instrument for measuring indicates information, it shows that information :
▪ The temperature gauge indicated zero.
▪ This dial indicates oil pressure in the engine.
▷ register /ˈredʒɪstəʳ, ˈredʒəstəʳ/ [transitive verb]
if a piece of equipment registers a particular speed, distance, time etc, that speed, distance etc has reached a particular point on the equipment’s scale :
▪ The jelly is ready for bottling when the thermometer registers 165 degrees.
▪ Wind speeds registering between 70 and 100 mph have been recorded.
▪ The biggest quake registered 5.2 on the Richter scale.
4. to show art, paintings, products etc to a lot of people
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [intransitive/transitive verb]
to show something such as paintings or interesting objects, especially a collection of them, by putting them in a public place so that a lot of people can see them :
▪ She hopes to show her paintings at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
▪ His work-in-progress is currently showing at the Guildhall in Manchester.
be shown
▪ Some of Bresson’s best photographs are being shown at the National Portrait Gallery this month.
▷ display /dɪˈspleɪ/ [transitive verb]
if a shop, museum etc displays things, it arranges them in a way that makes it possible for people to see them clearly :
▪ The store windows were displaying the latest spring fashions.
▪ Many stalls displayed the work of local artists and craftsmen.
▪ In one room, late 19th and early 20th century paintings are displayed.
▷ exhibit /ɪgˈzɪbɪt, ɪgˈzɪbət/ [transitive verb]
to show a special collection of paintings, photographs etc in a public place where people can look at them :
▪ The gallery exhibits mainly contemporary sculpture and photography.
▪ Picasso’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world.
▪ The sculpture was first exhibited at the Canadian National Exhibition.
exhibit [countable noun]
something that is exhibited: :
▪ All exhibits are listed in the catalogue.
▷ be on show/on display /biː ɒn ˈʃəʊ, ɒn dɪˈspleɪ/ [verb phrase]
if works of art, new products, or interesting objects are on display, they have been put in a public place where people can look at them :
▪ The Supermac Computer was on display at the Umax booth.
▪ As expected, there were dozens of cellular phones on display.
▪ Several famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci are on show at the National Gallery.
go on display/show
start to be shown for the first time
▪ Schiele’s watercolours go on show here for two months, starting August 24.
▷ unveil /ˌʌnˈveɪl/ [transitive verb]
to show or officially tell people about a new product, plan etc for the first time :
▪ GM’s solar-powered car was unveiled at last month’s Geneva auto show.
▪ The government has unveiled its plans for the future of Britain’s armed forces.
5. when paintings, art, products etc are shown publicly
▷ exhibition/show also exhibit American /ˌeksɪˈbɪʃ ə n, ˌeksəˈbɪʃ ə n, ʃəʊ, ɪgˈzɪbə̇t/ [countable noun]
an event at which a collection of paintings, interesting objects etc are shown to the public for a period of time :
▪ All the photographs in the exhibition are for sale.
photographic/trade/Picasso etc exhibition
▪ Milan is hosting an international trade exhibition this month.
▪ The exhibit, entitled "Search and Destroy', proved to be very popular.
exhibition/show of
▪ Davis is organizing an exhibition of paintings by contemporary black artists.
▷ display /dɪˈspleɪ/ [countable noun]
a group of things that are shown together for people to look at :
▪ They held a spectacular firework display to mark the new millennium.
display of
▪ The festival of Lucia is a dazzling display of the art, music and dance of an ancient culture.
▪ a display of Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe
6. to show someone a house, building, or place
▷ show somebody something /ˈʃəʊ somebody something/ [verb phrase]
to show someone a house, building, or other place by walking with them around it and telling them about it :
▪ Let me show you the garden.
▪ It’s worth asking a local guide to show you the sights.
▪ The real estate agent showed them house after house, but they couldn’t find one they liked.
▷ show somebody around also show somebody round British /ˌʃəʊ somebody əˈraʊnd, ˌʃəʊ somebody ˈraʊnd/ [transitive phrasal verb]
to show someone the interesting or important parts of a place or building when they first visit it :
▪ She’d never been to Oxford before, so I offered to show her round.
▪ Later, he showed Margaret all around his new house.
▪ In the afternoon, we were shown around the Kennedy Space Center.
▷ conduct /kənˈdʌkt/ [transitive verb]
to show someone a building or place on an official tour :
conduct around
▪ The visitors were conducted around the factory by senior managers.
▪ An officer was sent to conduct the journalists around the shattered building.
conducted tour [countable noun]
an organized trip in which an official guide shows people a place :
▪ We went on a conducted tour of the castle.
▷ take somebody on a tour /ˌteɪk somebody ɒn ə ˈtʊəʳ/ [verb phrase]
to show someone a city, museum, house etc, and tell them about all the important or interesting parts of it :
▪ Gregory took us on a riverboat tour down the Volga.
▪ Officials were taken on a tour of the one-time maximum security prison.
7. to show someone something because you are proud of it
▷ show off /ˌʃəʊ ˈɒf/ [transitive phrasal verb]
to show someone or something that you are proud of to other people :
show off something/somebody (to somebody)
▪ She raised her wrist, showing off a sparkling diamond bracelet.
▪ At last, this was a chance to show off her talents before a real audience.
show something/somebody off (to somebody)
▪ He wanted to show his daughter off to everybody.
▷ flaunt /flɔːntǁflɔːnt, flɑːnt/ [transitive verb]
to let people see your valuable possessions so that they know you are rich or successful, in a way that annoys people :
▪ Others have called him arrogant, for flaunting his millionaire lifestyle.
▪ He’s very rich, but he doesn’t like to flaunt his wealth or waste his money.
▪ If you’ve got it, flaunt it!
▷ flourish /ˈflʌrɪʃǁˈflɜːrɪʃ/ [transitive verb]
to wave something in your hand in order to make people notice it :
▪ She came in excitedly, flourishing a letter with her exam results.
▪ The painting showed two gates guarded by imposing military figures flourishing swords.
▷ parade /pəˈreɪd/ [transitive verb]
if someone parades another person, they show that person in public for others to see, usually proudly or as if they own them :
parade across/through/beside etc
▪ The captured soldiers were paraded through the streets of the city.
▪ The senator loves parading his beautiful new wife before the nation.
8. when something shows that something else is true
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
to prove that something is true :
▪ Her nervousness is shown by a tendency to laugh a lot in public.
show (somebody) how/what/why etc
▪ It cost $5000 to repair the car -- that shows how bad the damage was!
▪ It shows you what they think of their customers, if they can’t even be bothered to answer your letter!
show something/somebody to do something
▪ Caffeine has been shown to have a good effect on mental performance.
show (that)
▪ The evidence shows that this area was probably the site of a Roman settlement.
▪ The polls clearly show that the voters are dissatisfied with the present government.
it (just) goes to show
use to emphasize that something proves that what you are saying is true
▪ It just goes to show that we can all learn from experience, whether we’re 8 or 80.
▷ be a sign /biː ə ˈsaɪn/ [verb phrase]
if an event or action is a sign of something else, it is one of the things that shows that something is probably true :
be a sign of
▪ The public opposition to the airport is a sign of how much people’s attitudes have changed.
▪ A cluttered desk is a sign of a creative mind.
be a sign that
▪ When a dog wags his tail, it’s a sign that he’s happy.
be a sure/clear sign
▪ My mother pursed her lips, a sure sign of displeasure.
take/view/see something as a sign that
decide that it shows something
▪ When she didn’t return my calls, I took it as a sign that she just wasn’t interested.
▷ demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ [transitive verb not in progressive] formal
to show very clearly that something is true - use this especially in official or technical contexts :
▪ His commitment to the company is demonstrated by his work on the project.
demonstrate how/why/whether etc
▪ Here are some examples that demonstrate how badly some students write their resumés.
▪ The assessment center gives each applicant the opportunity to demonstrate whether they are suited to the work.
demonstrate that
▪ I’m afraid this whole episode demonstrates that we have become less compassionate as a society.
demonstrate (something) to somebody
▪ You’ve got to be able to demonstrate to people that the union can help in these cases.
▷ mean /miːn/ [transitive verb not in progressive or passive]
if an event or action means something, you can guess from it that something has happened or is true :
▪ Cloudy water from the taps usually means problems with your storage tank.
▪ A free economy does not mean the absence of any economic control.
mean (that)
▪ This sort of behaviour means that the child is definitely unhappy.
▪ If A is false, does that also mean proposition B is false?
must mean
▪ Her car’s not there, so that must mean she’s gone to pick him up.
▷ make clear /ˌmeɪk ˈklɪəʳ/ [verb phrase not in progressive]
to show very clearly that something is true :
make it clear (that)
▪ This new evidence makes it clear that Rourke was acting independently of the others.
make it clear what/why/how etc
▪ The look in her eyes made it clear what she meant.
make clear something
▪ The Unabomber’s diary makes clear his loathing and contempt for society.
▷ reflect /rɪˈflekt/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
if something reflects a situation or fact, it is a result of that situation or fact and shows clearly that the situation or fact exists :
▪ The three-year guarantee reflects the company’s confidence in the quality of its products.
▪ His fair, freckled skin and blue eyes reflect his Irish heritage.
▪ This poll reflects what the Republicans of California are sensing.
be reflected in
▪ The culture of a nation is always reflected in its language.
▷ illustrate /ˈɪləstreɪt/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
to be an example which shows that a fact is true or that a situation exists :
▪ As this story illustrates, some stars have become as bored as audiences by Hollywood extravagance.
▪ This point can be illustrated by two brief examples.
illustrate how/why/what
▪ The experiment illustrates how careful you have to be when interpreting results.
▷ tell /tel/ [transitive verb not in progressive or passive]
if a situation, detail etc tells you something, it helps you to know, understand, or guess more about something :
▪ What does this tell us about the experience of young immigrants to this country?
tell somebody how many/much etc
▪ Unfortunately, the photographs can tell us very little about the potential for life on Mars.
tell somebody that
▪ The research told us that many drug addicts were returning to heroin up to three years after the treatment.
▷ be evidence /biː ˈevə̇d ə ns/ [verb phrase]
if a situation, detail, fact is evidence of a general situation, attitude, type of behaviour etc, it shows that it exists :
be evidence of
▪ Changes in sexual laws in recent years are evidence of a gradual movement towards greater tolerance.
be evidence that
▪ Journalists argue that being attacked by both sides is evidence that their coverage is fair.
▪ This is clear evidence that the crime figures do not represent the true situation.
▷ reveal /rɪˈviːl/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
to show something that most people did not know or realize is true :
▪ The way he spoke in the bar afterwards revealed prejudice and bitterness that I had never suspected.
▪ Separate holidays and weekends apart reveal more clearly than any words the state of their marriage.
reveal how/why/what etc
▪ The President’s refusal to meet the press reveals just how serious the crisis is.
▪ Positive tests have revealed why some athletes were so reluctant to co-operate.
reveal that
▪ The fact that there are no black officers in the entire regiment reveals that the army is not serious about its anti-discrimination policies.
revealing [adjective]
▪ a very revealing statement
9. when something shows that something else is likely to be true
▷ suggest /səˈdʒestǁsəg-/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
to show that something is probably true, even though there is no definite proof :
▪ In fact, the situation is far worse than these figures suggest.
suggest (that)
▪ There was nothing in his letter to suggest that he might have been unhappy or depressed.
▪ The drop in trading suggests the Asian economies may be headed for recession.
suggest something to somebody
▪ A child’s behavior might suggest to others that there are problems at home.
strongly suggest
show that something is very likely
▪ The door had not been forced open, which strongly suggests that the victim was known to her killer.
▷ indicate /ˈɪndɪkeɪt, ˈɪndəkeɪt/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
if scientific facts, tests, official figures etc indicate something, they show that it is likely to be true :
▪ How badly reform is needed was indicated recently by the rising youth crime figures.
indicate (that)
▪ Research indicates that the drug can be harmful to pregnant women.
▪ Campaign finance records indicate many of the guests were donors to his own party.
▷ give the impression /ˌgɪv ði ɪmˈpreʃ ə n/ [verb phrase not usually in progressive]
to make people think that a particular situation exists, even though this may not actually be true :
▪ She wasn’t stupid, though at times she gave that impression.
give the impression (that)
▪ The luxurious offices gave the impression that the company had plenty of money to spare.
give the impression of
▪ All this splendour and ceremony may at first give the impression of high culture and sophistication.
give the impression that
▪ He gave me the impression that he didn’t really rate my work.
▷ point to /ˈpɔɪnt tuː/ [transitive phrasal verb not in progressive or passive]
to show that a particular explanation for something is likely to be true or that something is likely to happen in the future :
▪ All the evidence points to a fatty diet being the main cause of heart disease in the West.
▪ The poor economic climate and the attitude of leading executives both point to a grim future.
▷ imply /ɪmˈplaɪ/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
if a fact or piece of information, especially scientific information, implies something, it shows that it is likely to be true :
▪ Among the ruins there are inscriptions, implying some degree of literacy even in the 9th century BC.
▪ As the examples imply, some markets are local while others are national or international in scope.
imply (that)
▪ The results imply that the disease originated in West Africa.
▷ implicate /ˈɪmplɪkeɪt, ˈɪmpləkeɪt/ [transitive verb]
to show that someone or something is likely to be involved in or connected to something, especially something bad or harmful :
▪ According to the prosecution, DNA tests ‘irrefutably’ implicate Henson.
implicate in
▪ Sexually transmitted diseases have long been implicated in infertility.
implicate as
▪ Seafood is increasingly implicated as the source of the hepatitis A virus.
implicate himself/yourself etc
show, suggest, or prove that he etc has committed a crime
▪ Simon knew he couldn’t possibly provide a blood sample without implicating himself.
▷ be indicative of /biː ɪnˈdɪkətɪv əv something/ [verb phrase] formal
if something is indicative of an event or situation, it shows that the event or situation is likely to exist or be true, but it is not definite that it does :
▪ Persistent abdominal pain may be indicative of appendicitis.
▪ The absence of any famous female composers is more indicative of male dominance than male genius.
10. to show that someone or something is good
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
▪ His performance shows great talent.
▪ Lieutenant Marche’s actions showed great courage and leadership.
show how/what/why etc
▪ This latest album certainly shows why Pine is rated a first-class jazz musician among his peers.
▷ say a lot for/about also say a great deal for/about /ˌseɪ ə ˈlɒt fɔːʳ, əbaʊtǁ-ˈlɑːt-, ˌseɪ ə greɪt ˈdiːl fɔːʳ, əbaʊt/ [verb phrase not in progressive] informal
to show very clearly that someone has good qualities, though those qualities are not always named :
▪ The decision says a great deal for Chang’s courage and convictions.
▪ To have those sort of setbacks and still keep everything together says a lot about Richard.
say a lot for/about that
▪ It says a lot for Banks that he decided to finish the race even though he had no hope of winning.
▷ be a tribute to /biː ə ˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/ [verb phrase]
if a fact or achievement is a tribute to someone or something, it shows their good qualities because it is a result of those qualities :
▪ It was a tribute to her teaching methods that most of the children passed the tests.
▪ That the book was ever finished was a tribute to the patience and dedication of all concerned.
▷ reflect well on /rɪˌflekt ˈwel ɒn/ [verb phrase not usually in progressive]
if an action or event reflects well on a person or organization, it shows that they have good qualities or abilities, and this makes people’s opinion of them improve :
▪ Military success always reflects well on the government in power at the time.
▪ This win reflects well on the growing strength of our young players.
▪ The television coverage of the trial reflected well on NBC.
▷ be a testament to /biː ə ˈtestə̇mənt tuː/ [verb phrase] formal
if something is testament to a particular quality or person, it shows how good, strong, skilled etc that quality or person really is :
▪ The incredible precision of the equipment is testament to the mechanical skill of the engineers who built it.
▪ It is a testament to the greatness of Rodgers & Hart that their music still sounds as fresh and vital as the day it was written.
11. to show that someone or something is bad
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
▪ His approach to the problem showed a complete lack of understanding.
show how/what/why etc
▪ This just shows how the standard of reporting has declined over the past ten years.
▪ Maddie’s remarks showed why she is disliked and feared by her fellow workers.
▷ not say much for also not say a lot for somebody/something /nɒt seɪ ˈmʌtʃ fɔːʳ, nɒt seɪ ə ˈlɒt fɔːʳ somebody/something ǁ-ˈlɑːt-/ [verb phrase not in progressive]
if a fact or achievement does not say much for someone or something, it shows very clearly that they are not as good, skilful etc as they should be :
▪ Only a quarter of the class passed the exam, which doesn’t say much for the quality of the teaching.
▪ It doesn’t say much for the media that they are criticizing something they haven’t even seen yet.
▷ be a reflection on /biː ə rɪˈflekʃ ə n ɒn/ [verb phrase]
if a bad situation or a bad result is a reflection on someone or something, it shows their character, abilities, or qualities are not very good, because the bad situation or result is their fault :
▪ ‘It’s no reflection on you,’ Fred explained kindly. ‘My mum’s always like that with my girlfriends.’
▪ When children are criticized, mothers often see it as a reflection on themselves.
▷ reflect badly on also not reflect well on somebody/something /rɪˌflekt ˈbædli ɒn, nɒt rɪˌflekt ˈwel ɒn somebody/something/ [verb phrase not usually in progressive]
if an action or event reflects badly on someone, it shows that they have bad qualities, and this makes people’s opinion of them become worse :
▪ The way that the refugees have been treated reflects very badly on the government.
▪ Both women knew that squabbling in public would reflect badly on both of them.
▷ be a comment on /biː ə ˈkɒment ɒnǁ-ˈkɑː-/ [verb phrase]
if a bad situation is a comment on problems or changes that affect all of society, it shows that these problems or changes exist and have a bad influence :
▪ The increasing focus on sex and violence in most movies is a comment on the changing tastes of the movie-going public.
be a sad/damning comment on
▪ The food queues were a sad comment on the quality of life in the new republic.
▪ To suggest that people are only honest when it can benefit them, is a damning comment on the human character.
▷ be symptomatic of also be a symptom of /biː ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk ɒv, biː ə ˈsɪmptəm ɒv/ [verb phrase] formal
if a small problem is symptomatic of a more serious or general problem, it shows that the more serious or general problem exists :
▪ The whole episode was symptomatic of the US determination to avoid another Cuba.
▪ Noisy classrooms are a symptom of a breakdown in authority.
▷ be an indictment of /biː ən ɪnˈdaɪtmənt ɒv/ [verb phrase]
to show very clearly that a system, plan etc is very bad, very wrong, or is not working in the way that it should :
▪ The movie is neither an indictment nor an endorsement of capital punishment.
be a glaring/sad/serious etc indictment of something
be a very clear sign of something bad
▪ Numbers of casualties among refugees represent an appalling indictment of Western policy.
▪ It is a serious indictment of a medical profession so arrogant that it dismisses out of hand any ‘alternative’ forms of therapy.
▷ make a mockery of /ˌmeɪk ə ˈmɒkəri ɒvǁ-ˈmɑːk-/ [verb phrase]
to show that something such as a system, principle, or idea is completely false, stupid, or ineffective - use this especially when you think it is wrong that something should be made to seem bad or wrong :
▪ If that man gets released, it will make a mockery of our legal system.
▪ Recent expenditure on defense has made a mockery of government promises to improve the lives of ordinary Russians.
12. to show that something is going to happen
▷ mean /miːn/ [transitive verb not in progressive or passive]
to be a sign that something is very likely to happen :
▪ Dark clouds usually mean rain.
mean (that)
▪ High interest rates and high inflation mean a recession is not far away.
▪ His new responsibilities at work mean Leroy will rarely see his children.
take something to mean (that)
believe that something is a sign of something
▪ Stein took off his glasses and rested his head on the back of the chair. I took this to mean that he wasn’t going to say any more.
▷ spell /spel/ [transitive verb not in progressive or passive]
if a situation or action spells trouble, problems etc, it makes you expect that something bad will happen, because there are clear signs that it will :
▪ No one thinks this could spell the closure of the firm, but things could be better.
▪ Out-of-town retail developments often spell the death of independent high street shops.
▷ bode well/ill /ˌbəʊd ˈwel, ˈɪl/ [verb phrase not usually in progressive] formal
to be a sign that something good or bad is likely to happen in the future :
▪ Gandalf’s late arrival did not bode well.
bode well/ill for
▪ The drop in profits bodes ill for Japan’s semiconductor industry.
▪ The high early viewing figures bode well for writers Lane and Harvey, who hope to achieve network success.
▷ herald /ˈherəld/ [transitive verb not in progressive]
to be a sign that something is going to happen soon, especially something important - used especially in literature or newspapers :
▪ In February, the first storks arrive, heralding spring.
▪ What changes do the attacks herald for everyday life in the US?
▪ His prosecution perhaps heralds an end to the systematic corruption that has stained this government’s reputation.
herald something as
▪ Taxol has been heralded as a breakthrough in cancer treatment.
13. to show your thoughts or feelings
▷ show /ʃəʊ/ [transitive verb]
to behave in a way that shows people how you feel or what you character is like :
▪ Paul didn’t show much interest in the idea.
▪ I just want you to show some respect, just for once.
▪ If you’re pleased, you’ve got a funny way of showing it.
show how angry/upset/happy etc you are
▪ The hostages showed great courage in a very frightening situation.
▪ I was determined not to show how upset I felt.
▷ display /dɪˈspleɪ/ [transitive verb]
to behave in a way that shows people how you feel or what your character is like. Display is more formal than show :
▪ I’m displaying my ignorance here, but could you just tell us exactly what your job as a geologist involves?
▪ The previous government displayed a notable lack of enthusiasm for women’s rights.
▪ The contestants here today have displayed tremendous skill.
display [countable noun]
▪ a display of strength
▪ Ian never did like public displays of affection.
▷ demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ [transitive verb]
to do something in order to deliberately and clearly show an attitude or feeling :
▪ Brenda wanted to demonstrate her sympathy in a practical way.
▪ The new law was intended to demonstrate the government’s concern for the lowest paid workers.
▷ exhibit /ɪgˈzɪbɪt, ɪgˈzɪbət/ [transitive verb] formal
to clearly show how you feel :
▪ The prisoner exhibited no emotion when the sentence was read out.
▪ Anyone who exhibits extreme anxiety in the face of potential danger is unlikely to become an effective military leader.
▷ register /ˈredʒɪstəʳ, ˈredʒəstəʳ/ [transitive verb] especially written
to show a feeling by the expression on your face, especially when you are reacting to something that happens or to what someone has said :
▪ Caitlin watched his face, which registered a mixture of alarm and astonishment.
▪ It was only when I mentioned the money that she registered a flicker of interest.
14. to show your feelings, attitudes etc when you do not intend to
▷ can’t hide /ˌkɑːnt ˈhaɪdǁˌkænt-/ [verb phrase]
if you can’t hide a feeling, you cannot stop yourself from showing it because the feeling is so strong :
▪ Kris couldn’t hide her delight at my situation.
▪ ‘It’ll be okay,’ said Kang, unable to hide his disappointment.
can’t hide from
▪ He couldn’t hide his envy from her.
▷ reveal /rɪˈviːl/ [transitive verb not usually in progressive]
to show a feeling, quality, or attitude, especially without realizing that you are showing it :
▪ The look on my face must have revealed my embarrassment.
▪ Carter’s face was a blank, revealing no emotion.
▪ A slight trembling of his hands revealed his growing excitement.
▷ betray /bɪˈtreɪ/ [transitive verb not in progressive or passive]
to show a feeling, attitude, quality etc when you do not want or intend to :
▪ His words were calm, but his voice betrayed his very real concern and anxiety.
▪ Barker’s comments on Germany betrayed a woeful ignorance of history and recent politics.
15. someone who usually shows what they feel and think
▷ open /ˈəʊpən/ [adjective]
someone who is open does not try to hide what they are feeling or thinking :
▪ He had a very open nature.
▪ My New Year resolution is to be more honest and open towards other people.
open about
▪ Julia was quite open about her disappointment.
▪ So I’ll lose my job, just for being open about my beliefs.
openly [adverb]
▪ She spoke openly about her fears.
▪ You openly disobeyed your father.
▷ demonstrative /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪvǁdɪˈmɑːn-/ [adjective]
someone who is demonstrative shows feelings of friendliness or love clearly and without being embarrassed, for example by kissing or touching :
▪ His parents were never very demonstrative towards him, so he finds it hard to show his own feelings.
▪ She’s not a very demonstrative person, but her friends are important to her.
16. someone who does not usually show what they feel or think
▷ reserved /rɪˈzɜːʳvd/ [adjective]
someone who is reserved is usually quiet and unwilling to talk about or show their feelings :
▪ Are you cautious and reserved, or adventurous and uninhibited?
▪ They are very reserved people, the English. It takes some time to get to know them.
▷ introverted /ˈɪntrəvɜːʳtɪd, ˈɪntrəvɜːʳtəd/ [adjective]
someone who is introverted is quiet and prefers not to be with other people, and does not talk about their feelings or opinions :
▪ He is described as an introverted teenager, with a love of horses.
▪ I was probably more introverted than Arthur when we were children.
introvert [countable noun]
▪ I think everyone has a bit of the introvert in them.
▷ undemonstrative /ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪvǁ-ˈmɑːn-/ [adjective]
someone who is undemonstrative does not show feelings of friendliness or love for other people, for example by kissing or touching them :
▪ Neighbours say he was quiet, undemonstrative and always carefully dressed.
17. to help someone or something show a particular feeling or quality
▷ bring out /ˌbrɪŋ ˈaʊt/ [transitive phrasal verb]
▪ Competitive games bring out my aggressive side.
▪ Counsellors are specially trained to bring out people’s innermost fears and emotions.
bring out the best/ worst in somebody
make them show their best or worst qualities
▪ For some reason, Christmas always seemed to bring out the worst in Dad.