give oneself airs give oneself airs {v. phr.} To act proud; act vain. Mary gave herself airs when she wore her new dress. John gave himself airs when he won first prize. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: G Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss