Wiktionary
vb. 1 To show enthusiasm and energy 2 To make a valiant effort 3 To indicate one's willingness; to acquiesce, co-operate 4 To pretend to be willing; to bluff
Usage examples of "show willing".
On the principle that the Almighty helps those who show willing, she had Zouga's big Colt pistol stuffed into the waistband of her breeches and covered by the tail of her flannel shirt.
He wants to groan at this unexpected turn in the conversation, but to show willing he asks, 'You're interested in ghosts, are you?
Gavin knew nothing about art, and even less about history, so the displays meant very little to him, but he went to have a closer look, just to show willing.
All I could do was show willing, for my precious credit's sake, so I asked him who the friends and enemies in Lahore were likely to be.
I had to show willing quick, but not too much-if I cried aloud for joy and swept her into my arms, she'd smell a large whiskered rat.
Saul gave a long whistle and the rats appeared again, eager to show willing.