- To exaggerate the difficulty, importance, or duration of a task or situation; to make something seem like a bigger deal than it actually is.
Explanation
Origin
- The imagery likely relates to preparing and consuming a full, multi-course meal, which is a significant and time-consuming activity.
- Applying this level of effort or fuss to something simple or straightforward implies exaggeration. The origin is idiomatic and not precisely documented but likely British.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Make a big deal out of it
- Blow it out of proportion
- Get worked up over nothing
- Sweat the small stuff (Focusing on minor details excessively)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Make a fucking production out of it
- Turn it into a complete clusterfuck (Implies making it messy and complicated)
Milder:
- Overcomplicate matters
- Dwell on it
- Labour the point (Focus excessively on explaining or justifying)
Situational Appropriateness
- Primarily informal and semi-formal.
- Can sound critical, so be mindful of tone and relationship with the listener.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might be confused by the literal meaning of preparing food. Explain it means to exaggerate effort or fussiness about a task.
Examples
- He always makes a meal out of simply filling out a form.
- Don't make such a meal out of it; just apologize and move on.
- She made a real meal out of organizing the seating chart, spending hours on it.
Dialogue
Chris: Have you finished that one-page summary yet? It was due an hour ago.
Pat: I'm still working on the introduction! I want to get the phrasing just right, and I've been researching synonyms...
Chris: Pat, it's a simple summary, not your doctoral thesis! Don't make such a meal out of it. Just write down the main points.
Pat: Okay, okay, you're right. I tend to overthink things.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My partner makes a complete meal out of deciding what takeaway to order. Just pick one! 😂 #RelationshipGoals #Decisions
- Forum Post (DIY): Don't make a meal out of changing a light fixture. It's simpler than you think. Watch a tutorial!
- Facebook Comment: Some people just love to make a meal out of minor inconveniences, don't they?
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, he does tend to overcomplicate things.
- Defense (if directed at the listener): I'm not making a meal out of it, it's genuinely complicated!
- Encouragement to simplify: Just keep it simple.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone accused of making a meal out of something:
- One might ask for specifics: What did they do?
- Or agree with the assessment: Tell me about it!
If told not to make a meal out of it:
- The person might try to simplify their approach or explain why they feel the task warrants the attention.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to describe or critique someone's handling of a task or situation within a conversation.
Intonation
- Often said with slight exasperation or criticism. Emphasis on meal. Don't make such a MEAL out of it!
Generation Differences
- Generally understood across generations, perhaps slightly more common in British English influenced regions and among older speakers, but not exclusively so.
Regional Variations
- Particularly common in British and Commonwealth English (Australia, NZ, Canada). Understood in American English but perhaps less frequently used than make a big deal out of or overcomplicate.