make a spectacle of oneself

make a spectacle of oneself

It's a Chinese idiom. When an old play is performed, it uses red water to foam and pretend to bleed. This is a metaphor for revealing secrets or showing ugliness in front of people. It's from the second moment of surprise.

explain

When performing killing in old plays, red water is used to apply foam and act as if it is bleeding, which is called brilliance. This is a metaphor for revealing secrets or showing ugliness in front of people. (2) performing excellent skills in public.

source

For example, my husband and wife should accept this staff now. It's better to invite a Paitou in private to finish the performance. (Volume 30 of Er Ke Pai An Qi)