show off to
/ʃoʊ ɔːf tuː/
Meaning
To behave in a way that is intended to attract attention, admiration, or envy from a specific person or group. It often involves displaying one's skills, possessions, or achievements in an exaggerated way.
Examples
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He was just trying to show off to his new girlfriend by driving fast.
He was just trying to show off to his new girlfriend by driving fast.
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Little kids love to show off to their parents when they learn a new trick.
Little kids love to show off to their parents when they learn a new trick.
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She bought that expensive watch just to show off to her colleagues.
She bought that expensive watch just to show off to her colleagues.
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Stop trying to show off to everyone; just be yourself.
Stop trying to show off to everyone; just be yourself.
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He played his guitar at the party, clearly wanting to show off to the crowd.
He played his guitar at the party, clearly wanting to show off to the crowd.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He likes to show off for his classmates.
✓ He likes to show off to his classmates.
While 'show off for' is sometimes used to mean performing for an audience, 'show off to' is the standard way to express targeting someone to make them jealous or impressed.
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✗ He is always showing to his friends his new phone.
✓ He is always showing off his new phone to his friends.
You cannot drop the particle 'off' when you want to mean 'boast'. 'Show off' needs both words to carry the meaning of bragging.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He only did that crazy skateboard trick to ___ the girls standing nearby.
💡 Attract attention or impress.
Show answer
show off to
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Don't buy that car just to ___ your neighbors.
💡 Impress or make them jealous.
Show answer
show off to