air of pretension

air of pretension

A manner, affectation, appearance, or behavior indicative of pretension or self-importance. I always really enjoy the film festival, but the air of pretension in the place is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Even though she has written so many award-winning books, she has no air of pretension about her whatsoever.
See also: air, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • all-over oneself
  • too big for one's britches (breeches)
  • bacon-faced
  • a plum in (one's) mouth
  • a plum in your mouth
  • plum
  • have a plum in (one's) mouth
  • have a plum in your mouth
  • walk heavy
  • stage whisper
References in classic literature
They already began to consider themselves on a par with the M'Tavishes, the M'Gillivrays, the Frobishers, and the other magnates of the Northwest, whom they had been accustomed to look up to as the great ones of the earth; and they were a little disposed, perhaps, to wear their suddenly-acquired honors with some air of pretension. Mr.
Astoria or Anecdotes of an enterprise beyond the Rocky Mountain
He was a short, thick-set man, with coarse, commonplace features, and that swaggering air of pretension which marks a low man who is trying to elbow his way upward in the world.
Uncle Toms Cabin
The decor and dishes are upscale, but without the air of pretension often associated with venues like these.
The London Project: Unpretentious high-end dining in Dubai
"Many premium coffee and tea brands seem to be positioning themselves as almost academic connoisseurs, which I feel has started to add an air of pretension around the art of coffeemaking," says Kotek.
Groundwork Coffee books the G.I.G
Though low-key and fairly well paced, "House" can't shake its air of pretension or render central figures more than two-dimensional.
A HOUSE ON A HILL