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too big for one's britches
01
behaving in a manner that highlights one's often non-existant superiority over others
Dialect
American
American
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
Old useWhat 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
Ever since he won that small award, he's been acting like he's too big for his breeches, bragging about it to everyone.
He started belittling his colleagues and acting superior after his book became a bestseller. He's gotten too big for his britches.
