too big for (one's) 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
Also, too big for one's boots. Conceited, self-important, as in Ever since he won that tournament he's gotten too big for his britches, or There's no talking to Jill anymore-she's just too big for her boots. This metaphoric idiom alludes to becoming so "swollen" with conceit that one's pants or boots no longer fit. [Late 1800s]
See also: big, britches
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
too big for (one's) britches
Overconfident; cocky.
See also: big, britches
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- 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