General
too big for your britches
What does too big for your britches mean?
Said of someone who has become conceited or is overstepping their station.
"Ever since that promotion he's gotten too big for his britches."
Origin
Southern/American idiom using "britches" (breeches); the image is of outgrowing one's pants through swollen self-regard.
Frequently asked questions
What does too big for your britches mean?
It's said of someone who has become conceited or is overstepping their station, acting more important than they really are.
How do you use too big for your britches?
You aim it at someone getting cocky, as in 'ever since that promotion he's gotten too big for his britches.'
Where does too big for your britches come from?
It's a Southern/American idiom using 'britches' (breeches); the image is of outgrowing your pants through swollen self-regard.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
