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

1. act like the master of
   • He is lording it over the students