get above oneself
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To think you are better or more important than you actually are.
Literal meaning: To rise above your own proper level — to elevate yourself beyond where you belong.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To become arrogant or conceited; to behave as if you are more important than you really are.
"He's only been promoted once and he's already getting above himself — someone needs to bring him back down to earth."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Distinctly British. Often used as a mild criticism or warning. Implies the person has forgotten their actual social or professional standing. Common in older British English and still in frequent use.
Commonly used with
arrogant humble station place attitude manner
Forms
Base
get above oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets above oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
got above oneself
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten above oneself
have + pp
-ing form
getting above oneself
continuous
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Synonyms
get too big for one's boots get bigheaded get conceited think too highly of oneself get a swelled head
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