make a scene

Meaning

To behave in a loud, angry, or disruptive way in public, drawing embarrassing attention to oneself and others. It is often used when couples argue publicly or when someone throws a tantrum in a restaurant or store. The tone is usually disapproving or embarrassed.

Examples

• Please don't make a scene in the middle of the restaurant; let's talk about this at home.

  Please don't make a scene in the middle of the restaurant; let's talk about this at home.

• She made a huge scene when the hotel clerk told her they had lost her reservation.

  She made a huge scene when the hotel clerk told her they had lost her reservation.

• I wanted to complain about the cold food, but my husband begged me not to make a scene.

  I wanted to complain about the cold food, but my husband begged me not to make a scene.

• Everyone started staring when the couple began making a scene near the entrance.

  Everyone started staring when the couple began making a scene near the entrance.

• He is very quiet and hates to make a scene, even when he receives terrible service.

  He is very quiet and hates to make a scene, even when he receives terrible service.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He did a big scene at the party.

  ✓ He made a big scene at the party.

  The correct verb to use with 'scene' in this context is 'make', not 'do'.

• ✗ She made a scene of anger.

  ✓ She made a scene.

  'Make a scene' already implies an emotional or angry outburst; you do not need to specify 'of anger'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I didn't want to _______, so I just quietly paid the bill and left.

  💡 Draw public attention by complaining loudly.

  Show answer

  make a scene

• When the flight was canceled, one angry passenger started to _______ at the gate.

  💡 Show loud, public anger in front of others.

  Show answer

  make a scene