display

display (something) to (someone)

To show or present something to someone. You'll have to display your credentials to the guard before you can enter. We have to display these findings to the board of trustees, regardless of the scandal it might ultimately reveal. I was quickly admitted after I displayed my police badge to the fellows at the checkpoint.

See also: display, to

display of force

A display of one's power, influence, or capability to cause harm, meant to act as a warning or deterrent to others. The president said that such a display of force will be treated as an act of aggression by the foreign country and could lead to a declaration of war. The march by union organizers is intended as a display of force to politicians threatening to weaken their bargaining powers. What if these aren't just empty threats? What if they're followed by a display of force?

See also: display, force, of

on display

In front of everyone; for public viewing. The talent on display in this game is downright remarkable. Please lower your voice—I'd rather not put our personal problems on display in front of the entire neighborhood.

See also: display, on

public display of affection

A physical act of intimacy between a romantic couple done in the view of others. Often shortened to the abbreviation "PDA." I really wish you didn't have such a hang-up over public displays of affection—no one cares if we have a quick kiss out in the open! When we go out, my girlfriend is always trying to hold my hand or kiss me, even though she knows that any public display of affection makes me uncomfortable. I don't mind PDAs in general, but teenagers take it way too far.

See also: display, of, public

put (something) on display

1. Literally, to put something in such a place that other people will see it. Well, naturally, if the store owner doesn't put my bath bombs on display, they're not going to sell. I always try to put my kids' artwork on display on the fridge, but I'm running out of space!

2. To demonstrate or reveal something in public view. Miller certainly came to play tonight and put her formidable talent on display. Please lower your voice—I'd rather not put our personal problems on display for the entire neighborhood.

See also: display, on, put

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

display something to someone

to show something to someone. The peacock displayed his tail feathers to the other birds. Would you please display the artwork to the committee?

See also: display, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

on display

In public view; for all to see.

See also: display, on

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.