Definition

1. Verb phrase (idiomatic):
   • To put on airs; to act in a superior or pretentious manner: To behave in a way that is intended to impress others or to appear more important, sophisticated, or authoritative than one actually is. It implies a display of arrogance or affected dignity.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta mới được thăng chức đã ra bề ta đây lắm quyền. (He just got promoted and is already putting on airs as if he has a lot of power.)
  • Đừng có ra bề với tôi. (Don't you put on airs with me.)
  • Cô ấy ra bề khinh người. (She acts in a superior, disdainful manner.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used in a critical or disapproving context to comment on someone's affected behavior. It is colloquial and informal.

Variants and Related Words

• Làm bộ làm tịch: (idiomatic verb phrase) to put on an act, to feign.
• Lên mặt: (verb) to put on airs, to act superior.

Synonyms

• To put on airs
• To act high and mighty
• To give oneself airs
• To be pretentious

Related Idioms

• Ra vẻ ta đây: (idiom) a very close synonym meaning "to put on the airs of being someone important."
  • Hắn ra vẻ ta đây là chuyên gia. (He puts on the airs of being an expert.)