The origin of the idiom "one's nose in the air" comes from the visual image of a person tilting their head back slightly, raising their nose in a superior manner. This idiom is commonly used in casual situations to describe someone's behavior and attitude, particularly when they look down on others.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's nose in the air" and when to use it?

{one's} [nose] in the air

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The phrase "swelled head" originated in the early 19th century and draws upon the image of a literal swelling or enlargement of the head, representing an inflated ego. It is used informally to describe someone who is arrogant and has an inflated sense of self-importance, often disregarding others' opinions or contributions.

What is the origin of the idiom "swelled head" and when to use it?

swelled head

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The origin of the phrase "put on airs" is believed to date back to the 18th century. It stems from the idea of someone metaphorically putting on a show or performance to project an exaggerated sense of superiority. This idiom is used informally to criticize individuals who pretend to be more important or refined than they actually are, often by exaggerating their status or behavior. It is commonly used in discussions about people who act selfishly or show off, trying to impress others with a false image of themselves.

What is the origin of the idiom "put on airs" and when to use it?

to [put] on airs

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high horse

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The origin of the phrase "proud as Lucifer" can be traced back to religious and literary references. Lucifer, also known as the Devil or Satan, is a figure from Christian theology associated with pride, rebellion, and arrogance. This idiom is used informally to describe individuals who are extremely arrogant or full of pride, often disregarding others.

What is the origin of the idiom "proud as Lucifer" and when to use it?

(as|) proud as Lucifer

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The origin of the phrase "What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?" can be traced back to the 1960s. It was popularized in the context of self-exploration and the pursuit of personal identity and expression. This idiom is used in informal contexts to describe situations where individuals prioritize themselves and seek validation or attention. It is often employed to criticize or comment on someone's behavior

What is the origin of the idiom "What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?" and when to use it?

ego trip

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The phrase "proud as a peacock" originated in English literature during the 14th century and refers to someone who is excessively proud or boastful, drawing comparison to the vibrant display of a peacock's feathers. This idiom is used informally to describe individuals who are excessively proud or boastful, often seeking attention or admiration from others.

What is the origin of the idiom "proud as a peacock" and when to use it?

(as|) proud as a peacock

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The phrase "like the cat that ate the canary" has its origin in English literature and dates back to the 19th century. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it has been commonly used in various forms of writing, including novels, plays, and short stories.

What is the origin of the idiom "like the cat that ate the canary" and when to use it?

like the cat that (ate|swallowed|got) the canary

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The phrase "overplay one's hand" originated in card games like poker, where it refers to being overly confident and making excessive bets based on a weak hand, leading to negative outcomes.This idiom is used when someone becomes too ambitious or confident, pushing their advantage too far and leading to negative consequences, often in negotiations, business, or relationships.

What is the origin of the idiom "overplay one's hand" and when to use it?

to [overplay] {one's} hand

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The phrase "too big for one's britches" is an American English idiom that has its roots in the early 19th century. This idiom is used to describe individuals who overestimate their abilities, take on more responsibility than they can handle, or tend to behave in a selfish manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "too big for one's britches" and when to use it?

too big for {one's} (britches|breeches)

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The idiom "stuffed shirt" originated in the early 20th century and refers to a person who acts really serious, formal, and full of themselves. It's like picturing a person wearing a shirt that's stuffed with padding, making them seem stiff and inflexible. This phrase is used to talk about people who are too proper, always following strict rules, and thinking they're more important than they really are. It's a way to make fun of them and show that they don't have much personality or the ability to be easygoing.

What is the origin of the idiom "stuffed shirt" and when to use it?

stuffed shirt

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The idiom "stroke one's ego" originates from the concept of physically stroking or caressing someone's body, which is often associated with providing pleasure and satisfaction. It is used when one wants to cater to someone's ego, usually to gain favor, maintain a positive relationship, or manipulate a situation to their advantage. It implies feeding someone's need for validation or recognition, often in a self-serving or insincere manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "stroke one's ego" and when to use it?

to [stroke] {one's} ego

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The origin of the idiom "hold one's head up high" is not attributed to a specific event or source but rather stems from the universal symbolism associated with body language and posture. This idiom can be employed in various contexts, both personal and professional, where individuals may face adversity, criticism, or challenging situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "hold one's head up high" and when to use it?

to [hold] {one's} [head] up (high|)

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Discover how English idioms like "swelled head" and "high horse" relate to being proud and arrogant in English.

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