shown willing

Verb

show willing (third-person singular simple present shows willing, present participle showing willing, simple past showed willing, past participle shown willing or showed willing)

1. To show enthusiasm and energy.
   • On board ship, especially American ships, the first requisite for a sailor who wants to be treated properly is to "show willing," any suspicion of slackness being noted immediately, and the backward one marked accordingly.1897, Frank T. Bullen, chapter 1, in The Cruise of the "Cachalot"; round the world after sperm whales

   Synonyms:

   look lively

2. To make a valiant effort.
   • No top or gyroscope has actually been balanced perfectly enough to guide an astronomical telescope, but they show willing.1935 W.H. White, A complete physics written for London medical students and general use, (Clay & Sons, London) §91 p.61
3. To indicate one's willingness; to acquiesce, co-operate.
   • The moment he shows willing to try again buy patches or other nicotine replacement products recommended by your pharmacist2005 May 21, Irma Kurtz, “Moving on: a slave to nicotine”, in Times Online, London
4. To pretend to be willing; to bluff.
   • He had not been bluffing or merely "showing willing."1962, Andrew Boyle, Trenchard, Collins, page 227

   Synonyms:

   pay lip service, make an idle promise