The phrase "make out to be" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /meɪk aʊt tə bi/. Here, the first word "make" is pronounced with the long "a" sound as in "bake", and the second word "out" is pronounced with the diphthong "ou" as in "ouch". The following word "to" is pronounced with the short "o" sound as in "top", and the final word "be" is pronounced with the short "i" sound as in "bit". Together, this phrase means to represent or portray something in a certain way.
The phrase "make out to be" functions as a phrasal verb that is commonly used in informal speech and writing. It is used to describe the act of portraying or representing someone or something in a particular way, often with an implicit or explicit exaggeration or misrepresentation. When someone "makes out to be" something, they are presenting a certain image or perception of themselves or someone else, while often emphasizing or highlighting certain aspects or characteristics.
The phrase is usually employed to convey a sense of deception, dishonesty, or exaggeration. For example, if someone "makes themselves out to be" an expert in a certain field, it implies that they are presenting themselves with more knowledge or expertise than they actually possess. Similarly, if someone "makes a situation out to be" more dire or serious than it truly is, they are exaggerating the severity of the circumstances.
This expression is often used in situations where individuals wish to manipulate or influence others, either by misleading them intentionally or by emphasizing specific attributes to convey a certain impression. It can also be used to describe the act of portraying oneself in a certain light, whether in a positive or negative manner.
Overall, "make out to be" is a phrasal verb that encapsulates the act of presenting, exaggerating, or misrepresenting someone or something in a particular way, often with a deceptive or manipulative intent.