1a spectacle or display, typically an impressive one:spectacular shows of bluebells
2a play or other stage performance, especially a musical.
a light entertainment programme on television or radio.
[usually with adjective or noun modifier] an event or competition involving the public display of animals, plants, or products:a dog show
informal an undertaking, project, or organization:I man a desk in a little office. I don’t run the show
3an outward appearance or display of a quality or feeling:Joanie was frightened of any show of affection
an outward display intended to give a false impression:Drew made a show of looking around for firewood [mass noun]:they are all show
informal a ludicrous spectacle:now don’t make a show of yourself in front of him
4 Medicine a discharge of blood and mucus from the vagina at the onset of labour or menstruation.
5US & Australian/NZ an opportunity for doing something; a chance:I didn’t have a show
ზმნა
Universal
1be, allow, or cause to be visible: [no object]:wrinkles were starting to show on her facethe glow of a city skyline showed up ahead [no object, with complement]:the muscles of her jaws showed white through the skin [with object]:a white blouse will show the blooda rising moon showed up the wild seascape
[with object] offer, exhibit, or produce (something) for inspection:an alarm salesperson should show an ID card [with two objects]:he wants to show you all his woodwork stuff
[with object] put on display in an exhibition or competition:he ceased rather early in his career to show his work [no object]:other artists who showed there included Robert Motherwell
[with object] present (a film or television programme) on a screen for viewing:ITV showed The Enforcer on Saturday night
[no object] (of a film) be presented for viewing:a movie showing at the Venice Film Festival
[with object] indicate (a particular time, measurement, etc.):a travel clock showing the time in different cities
[with object] represent or depict in art:a postcard showing the Wicklow Mountains
(show oneself) allow oneself to be seen; appear in public:he was amazed that she would have the gall to show herself
[no object] informal arrive for an appointment or at a gathering:only two waitresses showed up for workher date failed to show
2 [with object] allow (a quality or emotion) to be perceived; display:it was Frank’s turn to show his frustrationa wife who showed increasing signs of mental instability
accord or treat someone with (a specified quality):he urged his soldiers to show no mercy [with two objects]:he has learned to show women some respect
[no object] (of an emotion) be noticeable:he tried not to let his relief show
[no object] informal (of a woman) be visibly pregnant:Shirl was four months gone and just starting to show
3 [with object] demonstrate or prove:experts say this shows the benefit of regular inspections [with clause]:the figures show that the underlying rate of inflation continues to fall
(show oneself) prove or demonstrate oneself to be: [with infinitive]:she showed herself to be a harsh critic [with complement]:the youth soon showed himself a canny batsman
explain or demonstrate something to: [with clause]:he showed the boy how to operate the machine
[with object and adverbial of direction] conduct or lead:show them in, please
4 [no object]North American finish third or in the first three in a race:Greenough was the only other rider clear in round one, but she failed to show for the tiebreaker
Law produce satisfactory grounds for application of (or exemption from) a procedure or penalty:a notice to show cause why there should not be a committal to prison [attributive]:show-cause notice
show (someone) a clean pair of heels
informal run away (from someone) extremely fast.
show someone the door
dismiss or eject someone from a place.
show one's face
appear in public:she was so ashamed she could hardly show her face
disclose one’s plans:he needed hard evidence, and to get it he would have to show his hand
show a leg
[in imperative]British informal, dated get out of bed; get up:come on, rise and shine, show a leg
show of force
a demonstration of the forces at one’s command and of one’s readiness to use them:the government used low-flying jets over Pristina in a show of force
show of hands
a vote carried out among a group by the raising of hands, with numbers typically being estimated rather than counted:a show of hands suggested he has little support
show one's teeth
British demonstrate or use one’s power or authority in an aggressive or intimidating way:the council showed its teeth for the first time by imposing an economic embargo
show the way
indicate what can or should be done by doing it first:Morgan showed the way by becoming Deputy Governor of Jamaica
show willing
British display a willingness to help.
show something forth
archaic exhibit something:the heavens show forth the glory of God
show off
informal boastfully display one’s abilities or accomplishments:he was showing off, trying to make a really big impression
show someone/thing off
display someone or something that is a source of pride:his jeans were tight-fitting, showing off his compact figure
show out
Bridge reveal that one has no cards of a particular suit:all these plans went kaput when West showed out on the spade ace
show someone round (or chiefly North Americanaround)
point out interesting features in a place or building to someone.
show someone/thing up
expose someone or something as being bad or faulty:it’s a pity they haven’t showed up the authorities for what they are
(show someone up) informal embarrass or humiliate someone:she says I showed her up in front of her friends
