putting on airs
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"So I sound a bit like I have pretences, putting on airs for a while. It's abysmal for a while," she laughed.
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025
We weren’t just putting on airs or trying to make a scene,” said Bhala Lough.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2023
Padma compliments her in that kind, earnest way that always tells you when Padma is being empathetic and genuine, not putting on airs.
From Salon • Mar. 17, 2023
A titanic collection of club music, it has an almost gravitational urgency, emphasizing the primal pull of the dance floor, where putting on airs is not an option.
From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2022
They despised any leader from among their own number, refused to follow or even listen to him, on the grounds that he was no better than they were, that he should stop putting on airs.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
