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swelled head

1 of 1noun
/ˈswɛld hɛd/
Forms: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.