too big for britches

too big for (one's) britches

Overconfident in one's importance, skill, or authority; behaving as if one is more important or influential than one actually is. He's gotten too big for his britches ever since he got that promotion. John's been too big for his britches now that he's been scouted by pro teams.
See also: big, britches
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

too big for one's britches

Rur. too haughty for one's status or age. Bill's getting a little too big for his britches, and somebody's going to straighten him out. You're too big for your britches, young man! You had better be more respectful.
See also: big, britches
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

too big for (one's) britches

Overconfident; cocky.
See also: big, britches
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • britches
  • get too big for (one's) britches
  • 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
  • give someone their head
  • cooking for one
References in periodicals archive
According to Tmz.com, the cast members of the reality show were all in a VIP suite at the Gulf Stream Race Track in Hallandale, Florida last Saturday when Crooks called out William, who the other participants feel has become "too big for britches".