make a fuss

1. Cause a needless commotion or display, as in I'm sure he'll be here soon; please don't make a fuss . It is also often put as make a fuss about or over , as in He's making a fuss about nothing , or If you make a fuss over the small budget items, what will it be like when we discuss the big ones? The idiom dates from about 1800, although the use of fuss in this sense is a century older.

2. make a fuss over someone . Treat someone with excessive attention, solicitude, or affection, as in Whenever they visit Grandma she makes a fuss over the children . [1920s]

Related Words

• afflict
• agitate
• annoy
• burden
• concern
• disconcert
• disturb
• irk
• irritate
• perplex
• perturb
• plague
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• strain
• torment
• upset
• vex