Meaning trap
show off
boast
To act in a way that draws attention to yourself because you want others to admire you, often by talking about your achievements or possessions.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To act in a way that draws attention to yourself because you want others to admire you, often by talking about your achievements or possessions.
Another meaning of 'show off' is 'display something proudly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He always tries to show off by talking about his expensive car.daily life
- In my opinion, some people show off on social media by posting pictures of their luxury holidays.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: show off (about something)
WrongHe likes to show off himself.
RightHe likes to show off.
In the 'brag' sense it's intransitive — no object 'himself'.
Patternshow off (about something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Show off' is the everyday word; 'ostentatiously display' is bookish.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
show offalwaysstop showing offjust showing offin front of
Don't confuse it
Different from 'brag', which is usually just talking; 'show off' can include actions.
Related
- show off (display something proudly) — Another meaning of 'show off' is 'display something proudly'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.