Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
put-on-airs
idiom
/ˈpʊt ɒn ɛrz/
Definition
To act as if one is more important or better than others; to behave in a pretentious or snobbish manner.
Examples
- She always puts on airs when she’s around her wealthy friends.
- He is known to put on airs, pretending to be more cultured than he is.
- Don’t put on airs just because you got a promotion.
Meaning
The phrase ‘put-on-airs’ refers to the behavior of someone trying to impress others or elevate their status through affected manners or attitudes.
Synonyms
- affectation
- pretense
- snobbery
- pretentiousness
