too big for one's britches — Behaving as if one is more important than one actually is; overly proud, arrogant, or self-important
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Behaving as if one is more important than one actually is; overly proud, arrogant, or self-important
Pronunciation (IPA): /tuː bɪg fɔːr wʌnz ˈbrɪtʃɪz/
Example Sentences
- The rookie player started talking trash after one good game—someone needs to tell him he's getting too big for his britches.
- My cat acts too big for her britches, demanding room service like she owns a five-star hotel.
- After getting a small raise, he suddenly got too big for his britches and refused to eat lunch with the interns.
too big for one's britches
ADJECTIVE[/tuː bɪg fɔːr wʌnz ˈbrɪtʃɪz/]
Behaving as if one is more important than one actually is; overly proud, arrogant, or self-important
The new intern got too big for his britches, lecturing the CEO on strategy.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
An American colloquialism from the 19th-century South, where 'britches' (a dialectal form of 'breeches') meant trousers; the phrase humorously implies someone has grown so puffed up with pride that they no longer 'fit' into their own pants.
Breakdown
too + big (excessively large/inflated ego) + for one's britches (compared to one's actual size/status, i.e. one's pants)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The rookie player started talking trash after one good game—someone needs to tell him he's getting too big for his britches.”
“My cat acts too big for her britches, demanding room service like she owns a five-star hotel.”
“After getting a small raise, he suddenly got too big for his britches and refused to eat lunch with the interns.”
“Don't get too big for your britches just because you passed one exam—there's still a long way to go.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.