make nothing of (something)

1. To regard something as unimportant, trivial, or not worth one's attention. My brother earns so much money that he makes nothing of spending $300 on a single meal. We went to our HR rep about the issue, but they seemed to make nothing of our concerns.

2. To be unable to understand, comprehend, or decipher something. I can make nothing of this note John left—his handwriting is terrible! Her essay was so filled with obscure references and cryptic analogies that I could make nothing of what she was trying to say.

3. To fail to accomplish, capitalize on, or succeed in something. The team could make nothing of their two-man advantage, failing to score a goal against Boston's excellent defense. Turning 60 just made him feel like he'd made nothing of his life.

make nothing ˈof something

1 treat something as easy or unimportant: What a hill! But even with her heavy bag, Amy made nothing of it and was moving at top speed. OPPOSITE: make heavy weather of something/of doing something
2 not be able to understand or make sense of something: He went to bed again and thought it over but could make nothing of it. The more he thought about it, the less he understood.

make nothing of something

make nothing of (something)

make nothing ˈof something