make great, much, etc. play of/with something
make (a) great play of (something)
To do something in a grandiose or ostentatious manner so as to draw attention to it and make it seem very important. The film makes great play of the supposed antagonistic relationship between the two great thinkers. As public opinion shifts, the party's politicians are making a great play of their historic opposition to the law.
make great play of somethingor
make a great play of somethingBRITISH
If someone makes great play of something or makes a great play of something, they emphasize it, often to make it seem more important than it really is. Maria was there, making a great play of cleaning the house, but apparently doing very little. Note: You can also say that someone makes a big play of something, with the same meaning. They were very eager to show who was boss. They got us out of the car and made a big play of examining our papers. Note: You can also just say that someone makes a play of something. Both men made a play of wiping the dirt from her coat.