make much

verb2

1. •
   To emphasize, put much value on.

   • He always makes much of the fact that he is related to an earl.
2. •
   To give fond attention to; to cosset.

   • Usually, on such visits, the colonel made much of the dog. Today he merely glanced up abstractedly from his writing, at sight of Bruce's silken head at his side. — 2012