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UKtoo big for one's britches / breeches
/tˈuː bˈɪɡ fɔː wˈɒnz bɹˈɪtʃɪz ɔː bɹˈiːtʃɪz/
/tˈuː bˈɪɡ fɔːɹ wˈʌnz bɹˈɪtʃᵻz ɔːɹ bɹˈiːtʃᵻz/too big for one's britches / breeches
[PHRASE]1
behaving in a manner that highlights one's often non-existant superiority over others
What is the origin of the idiom "too big for one's britches" and when to use it?
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.
Examples
1. Ever since Jack got a promotion at work, he's been acting too big for his breeches, bragging about his success and belittling his colleagues.
2. I I, at times in my career, I thought I was too big for my breeches.
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