on (one's) high horse
(redirected from on his high horse)on (one's) high horse
Having an attitude of condescending moral superiority. My sister was a troublemaker as a teenager, yet she's always on her high horse lecturing me about my life choices. The radio host is known for climbing on his high horse when talking to listeners and guests about the importance of family values.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on one's high horse
Fig. in a haughty manner or mood. Larry is on his high horse again, bossing people around. The boss is on her high horse about the cost of office supplies.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on one's high horse
In an arrogant or condescending manner. For example, When they started talking about music, David got on his high horse and said that classical music was only fit for museums and archives . This expression, alluding to the use of tall horses by high-ranking persons, dates from the late 1700s. Similarly, off one's high horse means "less arrogantly, more humbly," as in I wish she'd get off her high horse and be more friendly. It dates from the early 1900s, but is heard less often today.
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.
on your high horse
used to refer to someone behaving in an arrogant or pompous manner. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on one’s high horse
mod. in a haughty manner or mood; bossy. Larry is on his high horse again, bossing people around.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.