definitions
  • synonyms

fuss and feathers

noun

an excessively elaborate or pretentious display; ostentation.

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Nearby words

fusocellular, fusospirillary gingivitis, fusospirochetal, fusospirochetal gingivitis, fuss, fuss and feathers, fussbox, fussbudget, fusspot, fussy, fustanella

Origin of fuss and feathers

First recorded in 1890–95
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Idioms and Phrases with fuss and feathers

fuss and feathers

Needless commotion and display, as in There was so much fuss and feathers over the award ceremony that I decided not to attend. This expression probably survives because of its appealing alliteration. [Mid-1800s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.