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get above oneself

C1 informal inseparable intransitive

To have an unrealistically high opinion of oneself and behave as though one is more important than one really is.

In plain English

To think you are better or more important than you actually are.

What does "get above oneself" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

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."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To rise above your own proper level — to elevate yourself beyond where you belong.

Actually means

To think you are better or more important than you actually are.

Usage tip

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.

Words that pair with "get above oneself"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

arrogant humble station place attitude manner

How to conjugate "get above oneself"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "get above oneself" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "get above oneself" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "get above oneself"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

get a swelled head get bigheaded get conceited get too big for one's boots think too highly of oneself

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