Pride is a complex emotion that can inspire both positive actions and regrettable arrogance. In this blog post, we explore 20 expressions that articulate various facets of pride, demonstrating its nuanced role in our language and interactions.
1. Swelled Head
Meaning: Excessive pride
Example: His recent promotion gave him a swelled head.
2. Full of Oneself
Meaning: Overly self-satisfied
Example: She’s so full of herself after winning the award.
3. Ride High
Meaning: Displaying triumph
Example: He’s been riding high since the victory.
4. Puffed Up
Meaning: Arrogantly self-important
Example: He’s all puffed up about his minor role.
5. High on the Hog
Meaning: Living in luxury
Example: They’ve been living high on the hog recently.
6. Hold One’s Head Up High
Meaning: Remain proud
Example: Despite the setbacks, she held her head up high.
7. Put on Airs
Meaning: Act pretentiously
Example: He puts on airs every time he dresses up.
8. Strut One’s Stuff
Meaning: Show off abilities
Example: She strutted her stuff in the new dance routine.
9. Look Down One’s Nose
Meaning: Show contempt
Example: They look down their noses at the new neighbors.
10. Have the Upper Hand
Meaning: Gain control or advantage
Example: She always likes to have the upper hand in debates.
11. Toot One’s Own Horn
Meaning: Brag about oneself
Example: He’s always tooting his own horn about his sales records.
12. Stand Tall
Meaning: Be proud and confident
Example: He stood tall after the accusations proved false.
13. Throw One’s Weight Around
Meaning: Use one’s influence forcefully
Example: He’s known to throw his weight around at meetings.
14. Big Fish in a Small Pond
Meaning: Important in limited realm
Example: She’s a big fish in a small pond at work.
15. Walk Tall
Meaning: Act with dignity
Example: After the promotion, he walked tall around the office.
16. Lord It Over
Meaning: Dominate arrogantly
Example: He loves to lord it over the junior staff.
17. Rub Someone’s Nose In It
Meaning: Emphasize someone’s mistake
Example: She rubbed his nose in it after his error.
18. Hold One’s Head High
Meaning: Maintain dignity
Example: They held their heads high despite the criticism.
19. Crow Over
Meaning: Boast about victory
Example: He crows over every little success he has.
20. Pat Oneself on the Back
Meaning: Praise oneself
Example: She patted herself on the back for her handling of the situation.
