Definition
自吹自擂 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to blow one's own horn and drum' — i.e., to brag or boast about oneself. It has a negative tone and is used to criticize someone who exaggerates their own abilities or achievements, often to the point of being annoying. The structure 自...自... is common in Chinese idioms (e.g. 自言自语 'talk to oneself') and emphasizes that the action is directed at oneself.
f.e.
to blow one's own trumpetto boast about oneself
Examples
- 自吹自擂，。Tā zǒngshì zài dàjiā miànqián zì chuī zì léi, ràng rén juéde hěn fán.He always blows his own horn in front of everyone, which people find annoying.
- 自吹自擂。Zhēnzhèng yǒu běnshì de rén cóngbù zì chuī zì léi.People with real ability never blow their own trumpet.
- 自吹自擂。Tā zì chuī zì léi shuō zìjǐ shì gōngsī lǐ zuì cōngming de yuángōng.He boasts that he is the smartest employee in the company.
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