On One’s High Horse: Galloping Through Arrogance and Superiority 🚀
Definition
On One’s High Horse: To put on airs; to behave arrogantly.
As long ago as the fourteenth century, people of high rank rode very tall horses, a custom that came to symbolize superiority and arrogance. By 1800 or so, to be or to get on one’s high horse meant to act superior, with or without justification.
Related Terms & Idioms
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To Act Pompous: To behave with excessive self-esteem or arrogance.
- Synonyms: High and mighty, uppity.
- Antonyms: Humble, modest.
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Haughty: Arrogantly superior and disdainful.
- Synonyms: Proud, overbearing.
- Antonyms: Meek, down-to-earth.
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Put On Airs: To act in a way that shows one thinks one is better than other people.
- Synonyms: Brag, show off.
- Antonyms: Keep it real, be genuine.
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Being Almond Joy: Not an actual idiom but hey, who wouldn’t want to be a delicious candy bar named after casual joy?
Quotations & Proverbs
- “Get off your high horse, honey! The ground is where the grass is, and that’s where life truly grows.” — Anonymous
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Ancient Proverb
Literary and Media References
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Mr. Darcy initially appears as if he’s perpetually on his high horse, yet proves that stepping down is a mark of true character.
- “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000 Film): Kuzco starts on a very literal high horse (or llama) and has to learn humility through his years of peril and pandemonium.
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: While Gatsby himself invites us into his underground vulgar richness, Tom Buchanan rides the highest horse of blue-blooded condescension.
Fun Spirited Quizzes
✨ Farewell from a phrase-philic friend! Remember, true nobility isn’t about perching on stilts of arrogance but finding your grounding in humility. Keep reading and imagining! ✨
