blow one’s own horn/trumpet, to
Blow one’s own horn/trumpet, to - To brag about one’s own accomplishments or ability, to promote oneself. The term originated in Roman times, and was translated into English early on. “I will sound the trumpet of mine own merits,” wrote Abraham Fleming in 1576. It was a cliché by the mid-nineteenth century, according to Eric Partridge, and gave rise to one of W. S. Gilbert’s numerous puns (“The fellow is blowing his own strumpet,” he said of a manager who was bragging about his actress-mistress).
Related Expressions:
- Pat oneself on the back: To praise oneself for something one has achieved.
- Toot one’s own horn: Another way to express self-promotion or boasting.
- Sing one’s own praises: Similar to the horn idioms, focusing on vocal self-adulation.
- Brag: To boast loudly about one’s own achievements.
- Self-aggrandize: To increase the scope of one’s own powers or status, often with verbal flair.
Proverbs:
- “He who sings his own praises shall always get the tune wrong.”
- “Empty vessels make the most noise.” (Antonym concept – those with fewer achievements often boast more.)
Synonyms:
- Boast
- Brag
- Gloat
- Self-promote
Antonyms:
- Modesty
- Humility
- Self-effacement
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Blowing one’s own trumpet is all well and good until someone brings a kazoo. 🎷”
- “Sure, you can toot your own horn, but beware – nobody likes a one-man orchestra.”
Literature Suggestions:
- “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde: Known for epigrams and witticisms that often criticize vanity and self-promotion.
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: A satirical look into the boasting nature of certain characters.
Songs:
- “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga: The anthem of self-celebration.
- “We Are the Champions” by Queen: An unofficial trumpet-blowers’ anthem.
Movies:
- “American Psycho” (2000): An over-the-top look at self-promotion taken too far.
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013): Demonstrates where blatant self-promotion can lead both good and bad.
### Which of these is an example of blowing one’s own trumpet?
- [x] Posting about every job success on social media
- [ ] Humming a tune while cooking dinner
- [ ] Writing a thoughtful diary entry
- [ ] Reading out loud from the phone book
> **Explanation:** When someone frequently posts about their successes on social media, they're often seen as blowing their own trumpet.
### Which proverb suggests humility rather than boasting?
- [ ] A penny for your thoughts
- [x] Empty vessels make the most noise
- [ ] Break a leg
- [ ] Once in a blue moon
> **Explanation:** "Empty vessels make the most noise" implies that those who boast the most often have the least worth bragging about, promoting humility over boasting.
### True or False: 'To beat one's own drum' is similar to 'To blow one’s own trumpet'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Yes, both idioms revolve around the concept of self-promotion or boasting about one's achievements.
Farewell Thought
Remember, the most iridescent rainbows are often found after the loudest thunderstorms. 🌈 So, while blowing your own trumpet can be occasionally rewarding, let the world marvel at your quiet symphony too.
— Clarence Loudmouth, October 2023
