Make an Ass of Oneself, to
To make an utter fool of oneself or someone else. This term has been current since Shakespeare’s time, and perhaps even before. The “ass”—along with the donkey—has been equated with stupidity and foolishness since Cicero’s day. A ruder version is to make a horse’s ass (a horse’s behind) of someone.
Related and Similar Terms
- Put one’s foot in one’s mouth: To say something foolish or offensive.
- Laughing stock: A person subjected to general mockery.
- Be the butt of the joke: To be the main target of a joke.
Proverbs and Expressions
- “He who laughs last, laughs best.” - This suggests that making an ass of oneself in the moment doesn’t necessarily dictate the final outcome.
- “Donkey see, donkey do.” - Similar to the more polite “monkey see, monkey do.” It’s often used to emphasize foolish imitation.
Common Phrases
- Clown around: Acting silly intentionally.
- Eat crow: Admitting to a mistake after boasting.
- The joke’s on you: Indicating that the person who started the joke now looks foolish.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas A. Edison (okay, not directly related but inspirational in times of foolery!)
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies Suggested
- Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - Filled with instances of Don Quixote making an ass of himself.
- Song: Fool on the Hill by The Beatles - Covers the idea of being perceived as foolish.
- Movie: Dumb and Dumber - This classic comedy showcases characters making fools of themselves in the best possible way.
- Poem: The Donkey by G. K. Chesterton - A rather serious take on the donkey, giving food for thought.
### Which of these phrases means the same as making an ass of oneself?
- [x] Put one's foot in one's mouth
- [ ] Sing like a rock
- [ ] Fly off the handle
- [ ] Kick the bucket
> **Explanation:** *Put one's foot in one's mouth* means to say something foolish or embarrassing—which aligns closely with making an ass of oneself.
### Which idiom expresses being the target of a joke?
- [ ] Bark up the wrong tree
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [x] Be the butt of the joke
> **Explanation:** *Be the butt of the joke* means to be the primary target of a joke, which usually involves ridicule or mockery.
### True or False: “Clown around” is a similar term to “make an ass of oneself.”
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** *Clown around* means to act silly or foolishly, often intentionally, and is closely related to making an ass of oneself.
### Which quote matches the concept of avoiding foolishness by saying less?
- [x] “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln
- [ ] “Fail harder.” — Nike Ad Campaign
- [ ] “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” — Proverb
- [ ] "The early bird catches the worm." — Proverb
> **Explanation:** Abraham Lincoln’s quote perfectly fits the theme of avoiding making an ass of oneself by speaking less.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
In the grand theater of life, making an ass of oneself is as much a part of the act as applauding the brilliance. May you always laugh last, dare to look the fool, and find the wisdom in your mistakes. Until next time—keep your inner donkey subdued, but never silenced!
