high and mighty

¹ American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. persons who are members of or identify with the higher social strata of society, especially those who are powerful or arrogant.

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adverb

1. in a self-important, grandiose, or arrogant manner.

   They talk high and mighty, but they owe everyone in town.

   Now don't go getting all high and mighty on me.

high-and-mighty ² American  

[hahy-uhn-mahy-tee, -uhnd-] / ˈhaɪ ənˈmaɪ ti, -ənd- /

adjective

1. haughty; arrogant.

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high and mighty Idioms  

1. Conceited, haughty, as in She was too high and mighty to make her own bed. This expression originally alluded to high-born rulers and was being transferred to the merely arrogant by the mid-1600s.

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Usage

What does high and mighty mean? High and mighty is often used as an adverb meaning in an arrogant or self-important manner, as in Please stop acting so high and mighty—you’re not the boss here. The word mighty means strong, powerful, or of great importance. When someone acts as if they are superior or in charge, they can be said to be acting high and mighty. This is especially the case when they’re not actually superior or in charge. High and mighty can also be used as an adjective, in which case it’s often hyphenated (high-and-mighty), as in Take your high-and-mighty attitude elsewhere—we work as a team here. The phrase can also be used as a collective noun to refer to people who are considered powerful, as in The high and mighty take too much and give too little. The word mighty can be used in the same way, as in The rich and mighty hold all the power. Example: Don’t get all high and mighty with me—I’m the one who trained you.

Other Word Forms

• high-and-mightiness noun

Etymology

Origin of high and mighty

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English: originally a title of dignity

Example Sentences

Suddenly gari had become food that was served at gatherings for the high and mighty and it was fashionable.

From BBC • May 28, 2022

"If a professor comes in and he’s all high and mighty and using words they don’t understand — that doesn’t help them relax and think," he said of students.

From Fox News • Jan. 26, 2022

“If a professor comes in and he’s all high and mighty and using words they don’t understand — that doesn’t help them relax and think,” he said of students.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2022

These are very dire circumstances, and it doesn't matter how high and mighty you are, how intelligent and knowledgeable.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2021

“Ask that high and mighty niece of yours where she spends her time!” another woman shouted from the darkness.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Related Words

• arrogant
• haughty