make yourself at home

/meɪk jɚˈsɛlf ət ˈhoʊm/
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An invitation for a guest to relax and feel comfortable.

Examples

  • The host smiled and said, “Make yourself at home.”
  • Please make yourself at home while I put the kettle on.
  • “Make yourself at home,” she said, pointing to the sofa.
  • “Can I sit here?” “Of course—make yourself at home.”
  • You can make yourself at home in the lounge until your room is ready.

Similar words

settle in
make yourself comfortable
feel free to relax

Meanings

Invite a guest to relax

hospitality
neutral
Said to a visitor to welcome them and encourage them to settle in comfortably.

Examples

  • Please make yourself at home while I put the kettle on.
  • “Can I sit here?” “Of course—make yourself at home.”
  • The host smiled and said, “Make yourself at home.”
  • You can make yourself at home in the lounge until your room is ready.
  • “Make yourself at home,” she said, pointing to the sofa.

Similar words

Etymology

The expression compares being relaxed in another person’s place with the ease of being in one’s own home.

FAQ

What does make yourself at home mean?

It invites a guest to relax and feel comfortable.

When do you say make yourself at home?

When welcoming a visitor into a home or another space.

Is make yourself at home a literal instruction?

It is a courtesy invitation to relax, within the host’s normal boundaries.

Can make yourself at home be used at work?

Yes. A host can say it in an office or guest area.

What is the plural form of make yourself at home?

When addressing several people, say make yourselves at home.

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