to grandstand

Examples

• All

• He's not just grandstanding.

  The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

• The politician seemed to grandstand during the debate to attract more media attention.

• So you know, you can grandstand in other ways too, right?

  Chris Williamson

• Yes, they will grandstand and take in all the attention, but ultimately they are in a supporting role.

• Expect many in Congress to grandstand over the numbers.

  Blog text (17)

• Some members of Congress have used this issue to grandstand.

  Blog text (15)

• Are you grandstanding for TV cameras?

  Phone Booth (2003)

• Republicans are just grandstanding and trying to get the media to think it's a big deal.

  Blog text (30)

• The politicians are grandstanding - don't expect anything to be done in the interest of Americans.

  Blog text (15)

• You're both grandstanding and I will not tolerate it.

  Citizen Verdict (2003)

Synonyms

S

to show off

vsto grandstand

• Informal

216 3.2

To act proudly to get attention or praise

is similar but often more about pride than performance

P

to posture

vsto grandstand

10 7.7

To pretend to be more important or clever than you are

is more public and performative aiming to impress many people

H

to hold court

vsto grandstand

6 7.4

To get people to listen and enjoy what you say

is public performing to impress rather than quietly entertaining a group

S

to showboat

vsto grandstand

• Informal

1 7.5

Act in a flashy way to get attention

is more about ostentatious performing to impress others

M

to make a show of oneself

vsto grandstand

• Informal

1 7.5

To behave so others notice you in an embarrassing way

is ostentatious aiming to impress rather than to self-embarrass

S

to seduce an audience

vsto grandstand

1 6.7

Make an audience like you and pay close attention

is ostentatious attention seeking rather than subtle skillful attraction

S

to showboating

vsto grandstand

• Informal

6.9

To act in a dramatic way to get attention

is broader meaning ostentatious behaviour not only performance

S

to show out

vsto grandstand

• Informal

7.4

Act in a loud way to get attention and impress people

is focused on attention through ostentation rather than modesty

G

to gasconade

vsto grandstand

• Archaic

9.9

To talk about yourself to show you are more important

is similar but focuses on performance display rather than verbal boasting

How Showy

to ham it up

• Informal

4 7.4

to show off

• Informal

216 3.2

to grandstand

• Literature

8 7.9

to pose

54 6.5

Surface Forms

Etymology