# 趾高气扬

zhǐ gāo qì yáng

Act arrogantly and self-importantly

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Raise the feet high and spirit aloft

**Traditional Chinese:** 趾高氣揚

**Register:** Critical · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Criticize a proud, overbearing manner.

Confidence without contempt is different.

## Understanding the expression

The raised step and lifted manner create a picture of someone walking as though above everyone else. Modern use criticizes pride displayed through behavior, speech, or attitude. A person may become this way after success or gaining authority. The expression is about showing superiority, not simply feeling happy or standing upright. Its negative tone comes from the disregard for other people that accompanies the person's inflated self image.

## Examples

他获奖后变得趾高气扬。

### Traditional Chinese

他獲獎後變得趾高氣揚。

tā huò jiǎng hòu biàn de zhǐ gāo qì yáng 。

He became arrogant after winning the award.

她受不了他趾高气扬的态度。

### Traditional Chinese

她受不了他趾高氣揚的態度。

tā shòu bù liǎo tā zhǐ gāo qì yáng de tài dù 。

She cannot stand his arrogant attitude.

新经理趾高气扬地发号施令。

### Traditional Chinese

新經理趾高氣揚地發號施令。

xīn jīng lǐ zhǐ gāo qì yáng dì fā hào shī lìng 。

The new manager gives orders with an arrogant air.

别赚了点钱就趾高气扬。

### Traditional Chinese

別賺了點錢就趾高氣揚。

bié zhuàn le diǎn qián jiù zhǐ gāo qì yáng 。

Do not act superior just because you earned some money.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%B6%BE%E9%AB%98%E6%B0%A3%E6%8F%9A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=80&webMd=1&la=0)

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