make out of
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
Build or create something by using another thing as the material.
Literal meaning: To produce something by taking it out of a source material — the literal meaning is very close to the idiomatic meaning.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To create or build something using a particular material.
"The children made a robot out of cardboard boxes and tin foil."
"You can make a meal out of almost anything if you know what you're doing."
— Nigella Lawson, How to Eat, 1998
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To treat or exaggerate something beyond its actual importance (often 'make a big deal out of').
"Don't make a drama out of a small misunderstanding."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often conveys resourcefulness or improvisation. Very natural in everyday speech and easy for learners to use productively.
Commonly used with
cardboard wood nothing scraps recycled materials clay
Forms
Base
make out of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes out of
he/she/it
Past simple
made out of
yesterday
Past participle
made out of
have + pp
-ing form
making out of
continuous
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Synonyms
create from construct from fashion from build from craft from
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