Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

too-big-for-ones-breeches

idiomatic expression

/tuː bɪɡ fɔːr wʌnz ˈbrɪtʃɪz/

Definition

An expression used to describe someone who is overly confident or arrogant about their abilities or status, often beyond what is appropriate or reasonable.

Examples

After winning a few local competitions, he started acting too-big-for-his-breeches and thought he was the best dancer in town.
She became too-big-for-her-breeches after receiving a promotion, forgetting the teamwork that got her there.

Meaning

This idiom implies that a person is behaving in a way that suggests they consider themselves superior or more important than they really are, often leading to a downfall or embarrassing situation.