meaning of the phrase "make a show of something"

[Klpno]

Hi everyone.
I’d like to ask about the meaning of the phrase “make a show of something”.

Some soldiers are sitting in the bar in the Officers’ Club. One of the soldiers is surprised by this.

Making a show of looking at his sleeve, Zipes said? “Well, I ain’t no officer. Neither ain’t none’a you. Sergeants over there, “he pointed at Goodier and Gnaizda, who were sitting at a table talking with a corporal Vega didn’t know,” they officers, maybe, but we ain’t. So why we in here?”

Does the phrase “Making a show of looking at his sleeve” mean that he is looking at his sleeve in a very exaggerated way or does it mean that he pretends that he’s looking at it?

[Conchita]

@KLPNO

Does the phrase “Making a show of looking at his sleeve” mean that he is looking at his sleeve in a very exaggerated way or does it mean that he pretends that he’s looking at it?

Both meanings are possible, since that is what the quoted expression suggests.

[Yankee]

Hi KLPNO

I don’t think “pretend” fits the context very well here. He didn’t pretend to look, he actually looked.

When you make a show of doing something, you do it in a very conspicuous/obvious/ostentatious manner.
.

[Klpno]

@Conchita

@KLPNO

Does the phrase “Making a show of looking at his sleeve” mean that he is looking at his sleeve in a very exaggerated way or does it mean that he pretends that he’s looking at it?

Both meanings are possible, since that is what the quoted expression suggests.

Thank you very much, Conchita.

[Klpno]

@Yankee

Hi KLPNO

I don’t think “pretend” fits the context very well here. He didn’t pretend to look, he actually looked.

When you make a show of doing something, you do it in a very conspicuous/obvious/ostentatious manner.
.

HI AMY
Thank you very much.