show willing

present singular third person shows willing · participle present showing willing · past showed willing · participle past shown willing · participle past showed willing

1. To show enthusiasm and energy.

   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.

   1920, B. Bennion, The trout are rising in England and South Africa; a book for slippered ease, London: William Clowes & Sons, page 4

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   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.

   1897, Frank T. Bullen, chapter 1, in The Cruise of the "Cachalot"; round the world after sperm whales

   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.

   1995 August 27, “Keane shows willing”, in The Independent on Sunday, London

   Synonyms: look lively

2. To make a valiant effort.

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

   1935 W.H. White, A complete physics written for London medical students and general use, (Clay & Sons, London) §91 p.61

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   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.

   2010 October 31, “Spirit of nation must be revived”, in Sunday Independent, Dublin

3. To indicate one's willingness; to acquiesce, co-operate.

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

   2005 May 21, Irma Kurtz, “Moving on: a slave to nicotine”, in Times Online, London

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

   2006, Gareth Dale, The East German revolution of 1989, Manchester University Press, →ISBN, page 151

4. To pretend to be willing; to bluff.

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

   1962, Andrew Boyle, Trenchard, Collins, page 227

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   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.

   2011 July 27, Rowena Mason, “BP 'in bits' worth up to £90bn more”, in Daily Telegraph, London

   Synonyms: pay lip service, make an idle promise