make a fool out of
Cause to look stupid
To make a fool out of someone is to cause them to appear stupid or ridiculous, either through deception or by exposing their ignorance: He made a fool out of me in front of everyone.
The phrase often implies public embarrassment.
You can also make a fool out of yourself by your own actions: I made a fool out of myself trying to impress her.
- embarrassCause social discomfort
- put to shameSurpass so completely others pale
- mortifyCause severe embarrassment
- humiliateCause painful shame
- egg on faceEmbarrassment from error
laughing stock · bamboozle · take for a ride · mock · shame · belittle · deceive · pull one over · ridicule · con · dupe · string along · deride · mislead · lead astray · hoodwink · disgrace · hoax
make a fool out ofhonor
High regard, moral dignity
dignify · exalt · venerate · revere · pay homage to
make a fool out ofstand up for
Defend against criticism
defend · protect · champion · stick up for · have someone's back
make, makes, making, maker, makers, fool, fools, foolish, foolishly