show off
/ʃəʊ ɒf/
Meaning
To display something or behave in a way that attracts attention, admiration, or envy from others. It can be used neutrally (like displaying a talent) or negatively (boasting or bragging).
Examples
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He loves to show off his expensive sports car to his neighbors.
He loves to show off his expensive sports car to his neighbors.
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She played the piano beautifully to show off her skills.
She played the piano beautifully to show off her skills.
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Stop showing off and just play the game normally!
Stop showing off and just play the game normally!
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The gymnast used the warm-up time to show off some tricks.
The gymnast used the warm-up time to show off some tricks.
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I don't mean to show off, but I got the highest score on the test.
I don't mean to show off, but I got the highest score on the test.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She showed her new dress off to everyone.
✓ She showed off her new dress to everyone.
While 'show off' is separable, placing a noun phrase at the end ('show off her dress') is much more common and natural than splitting it when the object is long.
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✗ He is a very big show-off person.
✓ He is a big show-off.
'Show-off' (with a hyphen) is a noun meaning a person who boasts. You do not need to add the word 'person' after it.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He likes to ___ his guitar skills whenever guests come over.
💡 display proudly to get attention
Show answer
show off
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Don't be a ___; nobody likes people who brag all the time.
💡 noun form: a person who boasts
Show answer
show-off