make a public spectacle of oneself
Draw unwanted attention
To make a public spectacle of oneself is to behave in a way that draws embarrassing or unwanted attention, typically through loss of composure or dignity: She made a public spectacle of herself by screaming at the waiter.
The phrase implies the person has become an object of others' stares and judgment, like a performance no one asked to see.
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- losing faceSocial humiliation or shame
- attention-seekingCraving others' focus
- scene stealingOutshining other performers
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
mortification · grandstanding · making a scene · criticism · faux pas · foot in mouth · dramatization · exhibitionism · disruption · blunder · notoriety · airing dirty laundry · ridicule · disgrace · flamboyance · awkwardness · exaggeration · impropriety
make a public spectacle of oneselfkeep a low profile
Remain unnoticed deliberately
blend in · fly under the radar · keep to oneself · lie low · keep one's head down
make a public spectacle of oneselfkeep a stiff upper lip
Remain composed under pressure
public, publicly, publication, publish, publisher, publicize, publicity, spectacle, spectacles