(as) proud as a peacock
Proud to the point of arrogance, vanity, or boastfulness. Tom's been as proud as a peacock ever since he found out he came in top of the class—he hasn't missed a single opportunity to remind us. He looks like a total jerk, strutting around the club proud as a peacock in his cheap suit and gold chains. A: "I'm glad to see that you don't act proud as a peacock, even after all the success you've had." B: "Thanks, I think it's important to stay humble."
(as) proud as punch
Very proud of oneself or some outcome, possibly to the point of arrogance, vanity, or boastfulness. The phrase refers to the titular character from "Punch and Judy," a 17th-century comedic puppet show. Sometimes capitalized. I feel proud as punch of the work I've done on the house. It looks so good! Tom's been as proud as Punch ever since he found out he came in top of the class—he hasn't missed a single opportunity to remind us. Well, you look proud as punch! I guess the job interview went well.
be (as) proud as punch
To be proud of oneself or some outcome, possibly to the point of arrogance, vanity, or boastfulness. The phrase refers to the titular character from "Punch and Judy," a 17th-century comedic puppet show. Sometimes capitalized. I'm proud as punch of the work I've done on the house. It looks so good! Tom's been as proud as Punch ever since he found out he came in top of the class—he hasn't missed a single opportunity to remind us. Well, aren't you proud as punch! I guess the job interview went well.
be a loud and proud (something)
To be very vocal about some aspect of one's identity that one is proud of, committed to, or invested in. Good luck getting Aunt Sally to move to the country with you—she's always been a loud and proud city girl. My English professor is a loud and proud Luddite. He still uses a typewriter and refuses to get an email address! Ew, I can't go out with a loud and proud Yankees fan—I'm a diehard Red Sox fan!
be loud and proud
To be very vocal about something that one is proud of, committed to, or invested in. I wasted way too much of my life in the closet. That's why I'm loud and proud about being gay now. Good luck getting Aunt Sally to move to the country with you—she's always been loud and proud about loving city life. My English professor is loud and proud about being a Luddite. He still uses a typewriter and refuses to get an email address!
do (one or oneself) proud
1. To do something well and cause one or oneself to feel pride as a result. You really directed a fantastic play, Janet—you've done yourself proud! I know that math is a tough subject for you, so you really did me proud by getting an A- this semester. Do you really think you did your parents proud by getting into a fight at school today?
2. To be very kind, magnanimous, or conscientious when hosting one. Oh, I had a wonderful stay at Anna's house—she was a very attentive host and really did me proud. She would have done us proud, if she didn't practically ignore us the whole time we were in town! When we're in Nashville, our son and daughter-in-law always let us stay with them, and they always do us proud.
loud and proud
Very vocal about something that one is proud of, committed to, or invested in. I wasted way too much of my life in the closet. That's why I say it loud and proud now that I'm gay. Good luck getting Aunt Sally to move to the country with you—she's always been a loud and proud city girl. My English professor is a loud and proud Luddite. He still uses a typewriter and refuses to get an email address!
proud below the navel
obsolete Having an erect penis. Primarily heard in UK. A: "I think that Sir Edgar grows proud below the navel every time he sees you, dear sister." B: "Oh, hush! Someone from the garden might hear us!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
do someone proud
1. Also, do credit to someone. Be a source of honor, distinction, or pride. For example, She did us proud, handling the problem with such aplomb, or Your new title does you credit. [Early 1800s]
2. Treat someone or oneself generously or extravagantly, as in You really did us proud with that banquet. [Early 1800s]
proud as a peacock
Having a very high opinion of oneself, filled with or showing excessive self-esteem. For example, She strutted about in her new outfit, proud as a peacock. This simile alludes to the male peacock, with its colorful tail that can be expanded like a fan, which has long symbolized vanity and pride. Chaucer used it in The Reeve's Tail: "As any peacock he was proud and gay." [1200s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
do someone proud, to
To make much of, to extend lavish hospitality. This turn of phrase dates from the nineteenth century. “You’ve done yourselves proud,” wrote Mark Twain in Innocents at Home (1872).
proud as a peacock
Having an exceedingly high opinion of oneself—one’s dignity or one’s importance. The comparison to a peacock, believed to allude to its strutting gait, dates from the thirteenth century. Chaucer used the simile several times, and it has often been repeated. “The self-applauding bird the peacock” is how William Cowper described it (Truth, 1781).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer