I think that "make a fuss" is the better meaning. Tom: The clerk was supposed to give me 55 cents in change, but he gave me only 54 cents. I am going to complain to the manager and write a letter to the president of the company. Mona: Oh, Tom, don't make a big deal out of it. Let's go home. Tom: Well, it IS a big deal. One penny is one penny! Mona: Oh, Tom, you're such an idiot!

Hey Cassie. In England generally 'make a big deal about' and 'make a fuss' can both be used, but 'make a big deal about' is a little stronger, only ever used in a negative sentence, shown by James. 'Pay great attention to' is generally used in writing and does not fit well with this sentence. A person would 'pay great attention to' his work, appearence etc. Hope that helps =)

make a fuss about is better. Make a big deal about means to increase the magnitude of the situation/probem, and make the problem/situation seem way more serious than it actually is.