make an ass of oneself

phrase

informal

: to behave very foolishly

I made an ass of myself at the party.

Browse Nearby Words

make an appearance

make an ass of oneself

make an attempt

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Make an ass of oneself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20an%20ass%20of%20oneself. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

make an ass of oneself

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

putative

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes