Definition
This four-character idiom (chengyu) literally means 'feet high, spirit soaring'. It vividly depicts someone walking with an exaggeratedly proud posture, suggesting an inflated sense of self-importance. Use it to criticize a person who is haughty and overbearing, often after they have gained some success or status.
f.e.
pompousarrogant
Examples
- 趾高气扬，。Tā zìcóng shēngzhí yǐhòu jiù biàn de zhǐ gāo qì yáng, duì tóngshì dōu bù lǐ bù cǎi.After he got promoted, he became arrogant and ignored his colleagues entirely.
- 趾高气扬，。Yí ge rén rúguǒ zǒngshì zhǐ gāo qì yáng, chízǎo huì shīqù péngyou.If a person is always pompous, they will eventually lose friends.
- 趾高气扬。Tā nà zhǐ gāo qì yáng de yàngzi ràng rén kàn le hěn bù shūfu.His arrogant demeanor makes people feel very uncomfortable.
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