proud as a peacock

Idioms  

1. Having a very high opinion of oneself, filled with or showing excessive self-esteem. For example, She strutted about in her new outfit, proud as a peacock. This simile alludes to the male peacock, with its colorful tail that can be expanded like a fan, which has long symbolized vanity and pride. Chaucer used it in The Reeve's Tail: “As any peacock he was proud and gay.“ [1200s]

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Example Sentences

Lempke caught 26 fish that day and was, he recalls, "proud as a peacock."

From Time Magazine Archive

The network gives up its Olympic gold�$70 million worth Just thinking about the summer of 1980 used to make NBC proud as a peacock.

From Time Magazine Archive

“I am still not talking to you,” said Liza Hempstock’s voice, proud as a peacock and pert as a sparrow.

From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman

He strutted into the living room, as proud as a peacock.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke

The grand prize winner, Filbert Dewbury from Calvert High School, stood as proud as a peacock next to his winning shot.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai