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to toot one's (own) horn
01
to praise one's own abilities or accomplishments, often in an exaggerated way
Dialect
American
American
![to [toot|blow] {one's} (own|) horn definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/19282/original/selfish?type=jpeg "to [toot|blow] {one's} (own|) horn definition and meaning")
Disapproving
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
Examples
He always toots his own horn, constantly bragging about his accomplishments, as if he's the only one who has achieved anything.
Instead of blowing his horn, he prefers to let his work speak for itself and allow others to recognize his achievements.
