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Processed with VS1Distinguish playful joking from embarrassment, wasted time, and refusing to face facts.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“I was only fooling” means “I was only joking.” To “make a fool of yourself” is to behave in a way that makes you look silly or embarrassed. “Fool yourself” means refuse to accept the facts, while “fool around” can mean play, waste time, or—depending on context—have sexual contact. The phrase can therefore carry different meanings and should be interpreted from context.
Cultural note: “Fool around” can be misunderstood because of its sexual meaning as well as its playful or time-wasting meanings. Clarify what you mean, especially in professional or family settings. “Make a fool of yourself” can be harsh when used to shame someone; focus on what happened rather than humiliating the person.
Keep exploringOne verb can mean joke, play, waste time, or deny reality—listen for context before deciding which.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Explain that something was not meant seriously.
Meaning
I was joking or pretending, not speaking seriously.
Tone & use
Informal. If someone was hurt or misled, acknowledge that instead of assuming the phrase fixes it.
Example
“I said the café was closed, but I was only fooling—the sign says it opens in five minutes.”
Recognize an expression for public embarrassment without using it to shame someone.
Meaning
Behave in a way that makes you look silly or embarrassed.
Tone & use
Often critical. It can shame someone, so use gentler, specific language when offering feedback.
Example
“He worried he would make a fool of himself at the dance, but everyone was learning the steps too.”
Describe refusing to accept a situation as it is.
Meaning
Refuse to accept the facts of a situation or persuade yourself that something untrue is true.
Tone & use
Direct and potentially confrontational. Explain the evidence instead of using the phrase to dismiss someone.
Example
“We would be fooling ourselves if we planned the outdoor event without checking the storm forecast.”
Notice that the same phrase can mean different things in different contexts.
Meaning
Play or behave without a serious purpose; in some contexts, have sexual contact.
Tone & use
Ambiguous and informal. Use clearer wording when the intended meaning matters or the setting is professional.
Example
“The children were fooling around with the cardboard boxes, building forts in the living room.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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