above yourself

above (oneself)

1. Conceited and arrogant; haughty or self-important. Usually used after the verbs "be" or "get." Primarily heard in UK. Self-confidence is essential, but you have to learn not to get above yourself when things are going well. You're certainly acting above yourself these days. The rest of us have opinions worth hearing, too, you know!
2. Above one's own concerns, desires, motivations, or agenda. Usually used after the verb "put." She's a great leader, always putting the needs of her team above herself.
3. Into a higher social class or standing than one's own. Usually used after the verb "marry." A: "I hear that the local fishmonger's daughter is betrothed to a rich foreign lawyer!" B: "My word, she's certainly marrying above herself, isn't she?" For all the talk that social classes have been wiped away in recent years, you will still find people who believe one can't or shouldn't marry above oneself.
See also: above
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

above yourself

conceited; arrogant.
1999 Frank McCourt 'Tis Many a man made his way in America by the sweat of his brow and his strong back and it's a good thing to learn your station in life and not be getting above yourself.
See also: above
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • above
  • above (oneself)
  • married
  • marry
  • marry above oneself
  • like to hear (oneself) talk
  • like to hear oneself talk
  • too big for one's britches (breeches)
  • walk heavy
References in periodicals archive
Put your country above yourself. Strive to make it the fount of reason, righteousness, and industry.
A perspective from Nick Fontanilla
And believe me, no external power can set its agenda in your country if you are able to see above yourself and willing to orchestrate together in national interest.
Make your vote count
too far Exceptional kids should get the chance to flourish but performing seven age groups above yourself is a step too far.
Seven up for Karamoko but it could fall flat
But our chief trouble is, and indeed a very great one, for fear you should be brought to any thing dishonest or--wicked, by being set so above yourself. Every body talks how you are come on, and what a genteel girl you are; and some say, you are very pretty; and, indeed, when I saw you last, which is about six months ago, I should have thought so myself, if you was not our child.
"Pamela," Richardson, and the epistolary novel
"It takes moral courage to hold your ideals above yourself. It is the defining aspect of your character."
Ethical Leadership for Medical Practice Administrators
"England, if they can take a leaf out of that book and ride that wave, you end up playing above yourself."
Rugby World Cup 2015: Defying death in the pursuit of glory
That was seen as abandoning your roots and getting above yourself.
Packing a punch; The Birmingham Rep is staging the premiere of play by a BAFTA-winning writer. ROZ LAWS reports
That was seen as abandoning your roots and getting above yourself. There was massive pressure to keep living a limited nine-to-five life."
Packing a punch; ROZ LAWS talks to BAFTA-winning Coventry writer about his new play
Merseyside people keep you grounded, slap you down if you get above yourself. You're not allowed to forget your roots and I thank everyone of my listeners for that.
Being honoured for doing the job I love
Asked why the education sector is struggling, Mrs Taylor said: "There is something in the Welsh psyche which is a desire not to get above yourself.
Head's fear for students in Welsh-medium schools
Clem wins a place at a grammar school, much to the disturbance of his grandmother, who already thinks that the worst thing in the world is to be Above Yourself. During a summer fruit picking job, Clem meets Frankie, daughter of the landowner.
Peet, Mal: Life: An Exploded Diagram
"When you're brought up in Scotland, it's drummed into you to not get above yourself.
SHARE THE Wpounds ALTH; Net tycoon's plea to the rich after he appears on TV's Secret Millionaire
* To rise above yourself and pursue the impossible in everything you do
Think differently: challenge yourself to think bigger, bolder and more clearly
"You lose a bit of match fitness, and while you are still playing with top quality players you lose that bit of edge, so when you come in you are looking to play almost above yourself every time so as to make an impression.
Villa tackle their fears over Fabian; FA CUP: READING v VILLA 6TH ROUND, LIVE ON ITV1, KO 1.45PM
"You can't get above yourself," he said as we met for a chat outside his former school, then called Hustler, on Hall Drive.
He may rub shoulders with England managers but Adrian will always be an Acklam lad at heart