too big for one's britches

Idioms and Phrases

Also, too big for one's boots . Conceited, self-important, as in Ever since he won that tournament he's gotten too big for his britches , or There's no talking to Jill anymore—she's just too big for her boots . This metaphoric idiom alludes to becoming so “swollen” with conceit that one's pants or boots no longer fit. [Late 1800s]

Related Words

• arrogant
• bombastic
• cocky
• exultant
• pompous
• pretentious