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make a show of effort

[meɪk ə ʃoʊ əv ˈɛfərt]
verb phrase
fazer demonstração de esforço; fingir se esforçar
1. To pretend to make an effort or to make a visible but insincere attempt at doing something
He made a show of effort to help, but didn't really do much.
Ele fez demonstração de esforço para ajudar, mas não fez muito realmente.
2. To display effort in an exaggerated or theatrical manner to impress others
She made a show of effort during the meeting to appear engaged.
Ela fez demonstração de esforço durante a reunião para parecer engajada.
NYC Slang
fake it; go through the motions
Synonyms
pretend to trygo through the motionsfeign effortmake a pretense of effort
Antonyms
genuinely effortwork hardapply oneself

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fazer demonstração de esforço; fazer de conta que se esforça
Common expression in everyday speech
São Paulo
fazer um show de esforço; fingir se esforçar
Slightly more informal usage
Portugal
fazer demonstração de esforço; fingir que se esforça
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese but with slightly different emphasis

Related Idioms & Phrases

go through the motions
put on a show
make a big show
all talk no action
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