Meaning & use
full display
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
completely visible or clearly shown, with nothing hidden or covered.
Grammar: Commonly used as 'on full display' after a linking verb such as be or go.
Patterns
- be on full display
- put something on full display
- go on full display
The painting was on full display in the main hall.
Her talent was on full display during the final performance.
The new phone was put on full display at the front of the store.
phrasecountable
a complete show or presentation of something, such as goods or abilities, for people to see.
Grammar: Used with 'a' or 'the' when it means a particular showing or exhibition.
Patterns
- a full display of something
- the full display
The museum prepared a full display of ancient coins.
The market offered a full display of local fruits and vegetables.
Common combinations
- on full display
- The team's skill was on full display in the second half.
- put something on full display
- They put the trophy on full display in the lobby.
- a full display of
- There was a full display of handmade crafts at the fair.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in plain view
- This means visible and not hidden, but it does not suggest a deliberate showing or exhibition.
- on show
- This is close in meaning but is more common in British English for things being exhibited.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: full display or on display?
full display vs on display
'On display' simply means being shown. 'On full display' adds the idea that everything is completely visible, often used figuratively about qualities or emotions.
Practice
The player's confidence was ___ full display during the match.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'on full display'. 'In full display' is possible but much less common, and 'at' and 'with' do not form this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “full display”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.