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

Or is it a sign of still-pervasive political corruption and a system that seems to promote taking legal action against the once high and mighty?

From Washington Times

It was there that he began mixing with the high and mighty of St Petersburg and then Russia.

From BBC

Known as the "guru of bling" because of his love for outlandish outfits and jewellery, Singh was also called "rockstar baba" - he acted in films he made, performed rock concerts and rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty in India.

From BBC

"Well, there goes the high and mighty Gerald Broflovski," one onlooker comments.

From Salon

“The U.S. has always acted high and mighty about drugs, but I don’t see them doing anything to stop it from coming to Thailand.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant
• haughty