John is always trying to show someone up to make himself look better.
•John's excellent effort really showed up Bill, who didn't try very hard at all.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
show someone up — show (someone) up to do something that embarrasses someone or makes them seem stupid. He s always boasting about how much money he s earned – like he s trying to show you up … New idioms dictionary
show someone the door — To turn someone out of the house • • • Main Entry: ↑door * * * show someone the door informal phrase to tell someone to leave, especially in a rude or angry way When he asked for money, she showed him the door. Thesaurus: to force someone to… … Useful english dictionary
show someone the door, show someone to the door — show (someone) the door, show (someone) to the door see ↑door • • • Main Entry: ↑show … Useful english dictionary
show someone the ropes — If you show someone the ropes, you explain to someone new how things work and how to do a job … The small dictionary of idiomes
show someone who's boss — show someone who’s boss informal phrase to show someone that you have more power or authority than they have Thesaurus: to tell people what to dosynonym Main entry: show * * * make it clear that one is in charge … Useful english dictionary
show someone the way — show (someone) the way to teach someone how to act in particular situations. As an older, more experienced girl, Cheri wanted to show Lauren the way to success as a teenager … New idioms dictionary
show (someone) around (somewhere) — to lead someone through a place. She insisted on showing us around Amsterdam. Guides were assigned to show new students around the campus … New idioms dictionary
show (someone) in (their) true colours — to show what someone s real character is, especially when it is unpleasant. By showing the terrorists in their true colours, the government hopes to undermine public support for them … New idioms dictionary
show someone a clean pair of heels — If you show someone a clean pair of heels, you run faster than them when they are chasing you … The small dictionary of idiomes
show someone a clean pair of heels — ► show someone a clean pair of heels informal run away from someone extremely f ast. Main Entry: ↑show … English terms dictionary
show someone the door — ► show someone the door dismiss or eject someone. Main Entry: ↑show … English terms dictionary
