swelled head
Plural
swelled heads
1
a sense of high self-esteem or self-importance that one has
The phrase "swelled head" originated in the early 19th century and draws upon the image of a literal swelling or enlargement of the head, representing an inflated ego. It is used informally to describe someone who is arrogant and has an inflated sense of self-importance, often disregarding others' opinions or contributions.
- After receiving praise for his work, he developed a swollen head and started acting as if he was above everyone else.
- Don't let success go to your head and cause a swelled head.
- Ever since he won the award, he's had a swelled head and thinks he's better than everyone else.
- Her constant bragging about her accomplishments shows her swelled head.
- Her promotion went to her head, causing a swollen head that made her treat her colleagues with disrespect.
Synonyms: