ENENENEN
FR
ES
RU
IT
TR
UKairs and graces
/ˈeəz and ɡɹˈeɪsɪz/
/ˈɛɹz ænd ɡɹˈeɪsᵻz/airs and graces
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "airs and graces" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "airs and graces" can be traced back to 18th-century England when it was commonly used in polite society. "Airs" referred to affected manners or behavior, while "graces" referred to the outward display of elegance or refinement. The phrase originally stemmed from the idea of someone putting on a performance or show to project an image of higher social standing or sophistication. It is often used to criticize individuals who act in a contrived or exaggerated manner to appear more important or refined than they truly were.
Examples
1. He was always putting on airs and graces.
2. She's got no reason to give herself airs and graces.
3. Even when he became a star he didn’t have any airs and graces.
4. One thing about Jerry that's impressed me more than just his amazing career is that for as long as I've known Jerry, he treats everybody the same-- no airs and graces.
more