high and mighty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, often pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “high and mighty” mean?
Acting in a way that shows you feel superior to others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Acting in a way that shows you feel superior to others; arrogant, pompous.
Referring to a person, group, or attitude characterized by an off-putting sense of superiority, self-importance, and condescension towards others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both dialects. Possibly more common as a set phrase in the US, while UK English might use 'lordly' or 'toffee-nosed' in similar contexts.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects, suggesting arrogance and pretension.
Frequency
Common in both dialects. Slightly more prevalent in spoken, informal English.
Grammar
How to Use “high and mighty” in a Sentence
SBJ + be/act + high and mighty (about/over OBJ)Don't + get + high and mighty (with SBJ)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high and mighty” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He started high-and-mightying about the office after his trip to head office.
American English
- She's been high-and-mightying around the neighbourhood since they renovated their house.
adverb
British English
- He spoke high-and-mightily, as if we were all his servants.
American English
- She waved her hand high-and-mightily, dismissing their concerns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Criticising a manager or executive perceived as aloof and disconnected from staff: 'Ever since the promotion, she's been acting all high and mighty in meetings.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. Might appear in literary analysis or sociology discussing class attitudes.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation to criticise someone's arrogant behaviour: 'Don't get high and mighty with me just because you got a new car.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high and mighty”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high and mighty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high and mighty”
- Using it as a noun: 'He is a high and mighty.' (Incorrect) -> 'He is high and mighty.' (Correct).
- Forgetting the 'and': 'He's acting high mighty.' (Incorrect).
- Using it in a positive sense: 'She's high and mighty because she's a great leader.' (Incorrect, it's negative).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is a critical term for arrogance. Describing a genuinely noble or powerful person requires different vocabulary (e.g., 'dignified', 'authoritative').
When used predicatively (after a verb like 'be' or 'act'), it is three separate words: 'He is high and mighty.' When used attributively (before a noun), it is hyphenated: 'He has a high-and-mighty attitude.'
It dates to the late 16th century, originally referring literally to those of high rank and power (e.g., kings, nobles). Over time, it became ironic and critical, focusing on the arrogant behaviour associated with such status.
The most common verbs are 'act', 'be', and 'get'. For example: 'Don't act so high and mighty.', 'She is high and mighty.', 'He got all high and mighty after the promotion.'
Acting in a way that shows you feel superior to others.
High and mighty is usually informal, often pejorative. in register.
High and mighty: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ən ˈmaɪ.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ən ˈmaɪ.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “look down one's nose at someone”
- “put on airs and graces”
- “lord it over someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VERY TALL (high) king on a throne, wearing a CROWN (mighty), looking down on his short subjects. He feels HIGH in status and MIGHTY in power, hence 'high and mighty' = arrogant.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/SOCIAL STATUS IS HEIGHT (e.g., high society, lowly worker). Arrogance is thus being unnaturally or offensively elevated.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best describes someone being 'high and mighty'?