English Explanatory Dictionary

break one's arm patting oneself on the back

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be very full of oneself. Often used as a sarcastic caution: "don't break your arm patting yourself on the back".

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-break one's arm patting oneself on the back.wav

Word forms

break one's arm patting oneself on the back breaks one's arm patting oneself on the back breaking one's arm patting oneself on the back broke one's arm patting oneself on the back broken one's arm patting oneself on the back dislocate one's shoulder patting oneself on the back hurt one's arm patting oneself on the back hurt one's shoulder patting oneself on the back hurt one's hand patting oneself on the back

Etymology

From pat on the back, and the uncomfortable position one would have to assume while patting their own back.

Synonyms

toot one's own horn
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