assume airs

assume airs

To think or behave as though one is superior to others or better than one really is; to have or assume a pretentious or self-aggrandizing attitude. I think John is really a decent fellow at heart, but I really wish he wouldn't assume such airs about his writing abilities. Stop assuming airs, Mary, you're not some world-class actor—you're just an amateur like the rest of us!
See also: air, assume
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • assume
  • assumed
  • give (oneself) airs
  • give yourself airs
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head