fuss and feathers


noun

an excessively elaborate or pretentious display; ostentation.

Origin of fuss and feathers

First recorded in 1890–95

Idioms and Phrases with fuss and feathers

fuss and feathers

Needless commotion and display, as in There was so much fuss and feathers over the award ceremony that I decided not to attend. This expression probably survives because of its appealing alliteration. [Mid-1800s]