make something of

1.  Render important or useful; improve. For example, Dad hoped Tim would make something of himself. [Late 1700s]
2.  Give undue importance to something, especially a problem or disagreement, as in Ann decided to make something of it when Bob said women's studies is not a real discipline. This usage sometimes is put as make something out of nothing, as in So what if Jim had coffee with your girlfriend--don't make something out of nothing. For an antonym, see make nothing of, def. 1.