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to toot one's (own) horn
01
to praise one's own abilities or accomplishments, often in an exaggerated way
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "toot one's horn" and when to use it?
The idiom "toot one's own horn" originated from the act of musicians playing brass instruments and creating a sound by blowing air into the instrument's horn. It is used to describe someone who boasts about their own achievements, skills, or abilities, often in a self-promotional or self-aggrandizing manner. In other words, this expression suggests that the person is seeking attention or praise for themselves and is not modest about their accomplishments.
Example
He always toots his own horn, constantly bragging about his accomplishments, as if he's the only one who has achieved anything.
It's important to acknowledge your accomplishments, but there's a fine line between confidence and constantly blowing your own horn.
She never misses an opportunity to toot her horn, always highlighting her achievements in every conversation.
Instead of blowing his horn, he prefers to let his work speak for itself and allow others to recognize his achievements.
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