Make a song and dance

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Meaning

To fuss or hype it up, big show.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to slang; 'song and dance' for fuss, by 1870s in a tale for show. A 1880s 'Punch' uses it for a puff.

Usage Examples

  • He made a song and dance; small thing!
  • Make a song and dance; calm down.
  • Song and dance; big fuss.

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