flatter oneself

Idioms and Phrases

Be gratified vainly by one's own achievement; exaggerate one's good points. For example, He flattered himself that his presentation at the sales conference was a success , or She flattered herself that she was by far the best skater at the rink . This usage is often put negatively, as in Don't flatter yourself—we haven't won the contract yet . [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Yet I can see no ground, except a desire to flatter oneself, for not crediting the élan vital with some such digestive intention.

From Project Gutenberg

Vain illusion to flatter oneself that one can ever cure an actress of the faults instilled in her from childhood!

From Project Gutenberg

Motionless sits he; 'astonished,' one may flatter oneself, 'at the proud bearing (fiere contenance) of the Parisians.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• congratulate