put on airs
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb phrase: - To behave in a way that is intended to make others think you are more important, sophisticated, or superior than you really are; to act in a pretentious or arrogant manner.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe someone who is being deliberately pretentious or haughty. It implies a criticism of the person's behavior, suggesting they are being fake or trying too hard to appear impressive. - It is typically used in a disapproving or critical context. - The phrase is often followed by the preposition "with" (e.g., "put on airs with someone").
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "To give oneself airs": This is a very close synonym and can be used interchangeably with "put on airs."
- Ever since she moved to the city, she's been giving herself airs.
Variants and Related Words
- Airs (noun, plural): Affected manners intended to impress others.
- His aristocratic airs were quite off-putting.
- Air (verb, archaic): To express publicly; to show off.
- Pretentious (adjective): Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
Synonyms
- Act superior
- Give oneself airs
- Put on airs and graces
- Put on side (British informal)
- Lord it over someone (has a similar meaning of acting like a master, as in the reference context)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "High and mighty": Behaving as if one is very important.
- I can't stand his high and mighty attitude.
- "Too big for one's boots": Conceited or overly self-important.
- Winning one award and he's gotten too big for his boots.
Verb
- act like the master of
- He is lording it over the students