show
• verb (past part. shown or showed) 1 be, allow, or make visible. 2 exhibit or produce for inspection or viewing. 3 represent or depict in art. 4 display or allow to be perceived (a quality, emotion, or characteristic). 5 demonstrate or prove. 6 treat (someone) with (a specified quality). 7 explain or demonstrate something to. 8 conduct or lead: show them in, please. 9 (also show up) informal arrive for an appointment or at a gathering. N. Amer. finish third or in the first three in a race. • noun 1 a spectacle or display. 2 a play or other stage performance, especially a musical. 3 a light entertainment programme on television or radio. 4 an event or competition involving the public display of animals, plants, or products. 5 informal an undertaking, project, or organization: I run the show. 6 an outward appearance or display of a quality or feeling. 7 (often in phrase for show) an outward display intended to give a false impression. — PHRASES get the show on the road informal begin an undertaking or enterprise. good (or bad or poor) show! informal, dated used to express approval (or disapproval or dissatisfaction). on show being exhibited. show someone a clean pair of heels informal run away from someone extremely fast. show someone the door dismiss or eject someone. show one’s hand (or cards) disclose one’s plans. show off 1 boastfully display one’s abilities or accomplishments. 2 display (something) that is a source of pride. show of force a demonstration of the forces at one’s command and of one’s readiness to use them. show of hands a vote by the raising of hands. show oneself (or one’s face) allow oneself to be seen; appear in public. show round point out interesting features in a place or building to. show one’s teeth Brit. use one’s power or authority in an aggressive or intimidating way. show up 1 expose as being bad or faulty. 2 informal embarrass or humiliate. show willing display a willingness to help. — ORIGIN Old English, look at, inspect .
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