Meaning of show willing | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To show enthusiasm and energy.
2. To make a valiant effort.
3. To indicate one's willingness; to acquiesce, co-operate.
4. To pretend to be willing; to bluff.

Examples

“On board ship, especially American ships, the first requisite for a sailor who wants to be treated properly is to "show willing," any suspicion of slackness being noted immediately, and the backward one marked accordingly.”

“It sang a song as it went, it "showed willing," as the homely saying goes. It was companionable, full of life; had its little ways.”

“But Roy Keane loves a battle and yesterday led the Old Trafford kids to an educational victory that brought a told-you-so grin from their manager Alex Ferguson.”

“No top or gyroscope has actually been balanced perfectly enough to guide an astronomical telescope, but they show willing.”

“Brian Lenihan said recently that we must stick to the four-year deadline -- for now -- and maybe after a couple of years of showing willing, we could re-negotiate.”

“The moment he shows willing to try again buy patches or other nicotine replacement products recommended by your pharmacist”

“The government, fearing that another front was about to be opened, quickly showed willing to compromise, and declared an amnesty”

“He had not been bluffing or merely "showing willing."”

“It is not yet clear whether Mr Dudley and his team are seriously considering a break-up or merely showing willing to placate investors clamouring for more value.”

CEFR level