Pride is a feeling many people in the USA can relate to. It happens when you feel good about something you have done, someone you know, or a group you belong to. It can come from winning a game, finishing a hard project, or helping others. Pride can be about personal success or the success of a team, family, or community.
In American life, pride shows up in many ways. Students may feel proud after earning good grades. Parents may feel proud when their children do well. Towns may take pride in local traditions or sports teams. Over time, people have created special idioms to talk about pride. These expressions make conversations more colorful and fun. In this article, we will look at 35 idioms about pride, see what they mean, and learn how to use them in everyday life.
Idioms About Pride
1. Swell with pride
Meaning: To feel very pleased or happy about something you or someone else did.
Example Sentence:
• She swelled with pride when her son made the honor roll.
• The team swelled with pride after winning the state championship.
Other ways to say: Be proud of, beam with pride
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “swell” here means to grow bigger, like your heart feels full of joy.
Usage: Used when someone feels great satisfaction about an achievement.
2. Burst with pride
Meaning: To feel so proud it’s almost too much to hold in.
Example Sentence:
• He was bursting with pride when his daughter got into her dream college.
• They burst with pride watching the school band in the parade.
Other ways to say: Overjoyed, beaming with pride
Fun Fact/Origin: “Burst” paints the picture of emotions so strong they could pop like a balloon.
Usage: Used when pride is very intense.
3. Take pride in
Meaning: To feel good about something you do or have.
Example Sentence:
• She takes pride in keeping her garden neat and colorful.
• He takes pride in his work as a firefighter.
Other ways to say: Value, appreciate
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used for hundreds of years to show a sense of honor.
Usage: Used for personal achievements or things you care about.
4. Pride and joy
Meaning: Something or someone you value most.
Example Sentence:
• His old Chevy truck is his pride and joy.
• Her art collection is her pride and joy.
Other ways to say: Treasure, favorite
Fun Fact/Origin: First recorded in the 1700s, this phrase combines two strong positive feelings.
Usage: Often used to describe special possessions or loved ones.
5. Stand tall
Meaning: To feel confident and proud.
Example Sentence:
• She stood tall after finishing the marathon.
• The students stood tall during the pledge of allegiance.
Other ways to say: Hold your head high, be confident
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that posture shows emotion — proud people stand upright.
Usage: Used to show confidence after success.
6. Beam with pride
Meaning: To smile brightly because you feel proud.
Example Sentence:
• She beamed with pride as her son graduated.
• The coach beamed with pride when the team won.
Other ways to say: Glow with pride, shine with pride
Fun Fact/Origin: “Beam” refers to a bright light, like the shine of a smile.
Usage: Used when pride shows through a person’s expression.
7. Hold your head high
Meaning: To stay proud and confident even if things are tough.
Example Sentence:
• He held his head high after the close loss.
• She held her head high despite the criticism.
Other ways to say: Stay confident, walk tall
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows pride through confident posture.
Usage: Used when facing challenges without losing dignity.
8. Full of yourself
Meaning: To think too highly of yourself.
Example Sentence:
• He’s been full of himself since winning the contest.
• Don’t be so full of yourself after one good grade.
Other ways to say: Arrogant, overconfident
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in U.S. schools when teasing someone acting overly proud.
Usage: Used to point out when pride turns into arrogance.
9. Pat yourself on the back
Meaning: To give yourself credit for something you did well.
Example Sentence:
• You can pat yourself on the back for finishing that project early.
• She patted herself on the back after her successful speech.
Other ways to say: Congratulate yourself, feel proud of yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the action of literally patting your back to show approval.
Usage: Used when you’ve achieved something worth recognition.
10. Feather in your cap
Meaning: An achievement to be proud of.
Example Sentence:
• Winning the spelling bee was a feather in her cap.
• Getting that award is another feather in his cap.
Other ways to say: Achievement, honor
Fun Fact/Origin: Originates from soldiers adding a feather to their cap after a victory.
Usage: Used for accomplishments that add to your reputation.
11. Chest out
Meaning: To show pride through your posture.
Example Sentence:
• He walked into the room with his chest out after the win.
• The players stood with their chests out during the anthem.
Other ways to say: Stand tall, puff out your chest
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on body language showing strength and pride.
Usage: Used when pride is shown in how someone carries themselves.
12. Proud as a peacock
Meaning: Extremely proud.
Example Sentence:
• She was proud as a peacock after getting the promotion.
• He strutted in, proud as a peacock, after the win.
Other ways to say: Very proud, boastful
Fun Fact/Origin: Peacocks are known for showing off their colorful feathers.
Usage: Used for someone who is visibly proud.
13. On top of the world
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and proud.
Example Sentence:
• He felt on top of the world after finishing the race.
• She was on top of the world when she got accepted to college.
Other ways to say: Overjoyed, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to feeling like nothing could be better.
Usage: Used when pride and joy are at their highest.
14. Show your colors
Meaning: To display your true character or pride in something.
Example Sentence:
• Fans showed their colors by wearing team jerseys.
• She showed her colors by standing up for her friend.
Other ways to say: Display pride, reveal yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ships showing their flags in battle.
Usage: Used when people display loyalty or pride openly.
15. Wear it like a badge of honor
Meaning: To be openly proud of something you’ve done or experienced.
Example Sentence:
• He wears his military service like a badge of honor.
• She wore her volunteer hours like a badge of honor.
Other ways to say: Be proud of, take credit for
Fun Fact/Origin: Badges are often given as awards or marks of rank.
Usage: Used when pride is shown without hiding it.
16. Big-headed
Meaning: Thinking too much of yourself.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t get big-headed just because you scored the winning goal.
• He’s gotten big-headed since the award.
Other ways to say: Arrogant, conceited
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests your head is “swollen” with pride.
Usage: Used to warn against pride turning into arrogance.
17. Make your mark
Meaning: To achieve something that gets you noticed.
Example Sentence:
• She made her mark in the art contest.
• He made his mark during his first year on the job.
Other ways to say: Stand out, leave a legacy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from leaving a physical mark to show presence or achievement.
Usage: Used for memorable achievements.
18. Glow with pride
Meaning: To appear happy and proud.
Example Sentence:
• She glowed with pride as her students performed.
• He was glowing with pride after the award.
Other ways to say: Beam with pride, shine with happiness
Fun Fact/Origin: “Glow” refers to the bright, warm look of happiness.
Usage: Used when pride is obvious in someone’s appearance.
19. Eat it up
Meaning: To enjoy praise or admiration.
Example Sentence:
• He ate it up when people congratulated him.
• She ate up all the compliments after her performance.
Other ways to say: Relish praise, enjoy attention
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares enjoying praise to enjoying food.
Usage: Used when someone happily accepts recognition.
20. Bask in glory
Meaning: To enjoy the pride of an achievement.
Example Sentence:
• They basked in glory after the championship.
• She basked in the glory of her big win.
Other ways to say: Enjoy success, revel in pride
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bask” means to relax in warmth, like the sun.
Usage: Used after a proud moment.
21. Pride comes before a fall
Meaning: Being too proud can lead to failure.
Example Sentence:
• He bragged too much, and pride came before a fall.
• Pride comes before a fall when you underestimate others.
Other ways to say: Don’t get overconfident, arrogance leads to mistakes
Fun Fact/Origin: A warning from the Bible about the dangers of pride.
Usage: Used as advice or a lesson.
22. Carry yourself with pride
Meaning: To act in a way that shows confidence and respect for yourself.
Example Sentence:
• Soldiers carry themselves with pride during parades.
• She carried herself with pride at the ceremony.
Other ways to say: Walk tall, hold your head high
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to body language showing dignity.
Usage: Used to describe respectful and confident behavior.
23. Pumped up
Meaning: Feeling proud and excited.
Example Sentence:
• He was pumped up after hearing the good news.
• They were pumped up for the championship game.
Other ways to say: Fired up, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from pumping air into something to increase energy.
Usage: Used for moments of pride and excitement.
24. Look what I did
Meaning: A way to draw attention to your accomplishment.
Example Sentence:
• She said, “Look what I did!” after finishing the puzzle.
• Kids often say, “Look what I did!” when showing school projects.
Other ways to say: See my work, check this out
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American classrooms among young students.
Usage: Used to proudly present an achievement.
25. Make Mom proud
Meaning: To do something that will make your parents happy and proud.
Example Sentence:
• He made Mom proud by getting straight A’s.
• She made Mom proud by helping a neighbor.
Other ways to say: Do your family proud, bring honor
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in family conversations in the U.S.
Usage: Used when talking about pleasing parents through good actions.
26. Shine
Meaning: To stand out because of your skill or success.
Example Sentence:
• She shined in the school play.
• He shined on the basketball court.
Other ways to say: Excel, stand out
Fun Fact/Origin: “Shine” suggests something bright and noticeable.
Usage: Used for outstanding performance.
27. Have bragging rights
Meaning: To have done something worth talking about proudly.
Example Sentence:
• Winning the state title gave them bragging rights.
• He had bragging rights after catching the biggest fish.
Other ways to say: Earn recognition, be able to boast
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in U.S. sports to mean a win worth boasting about.
Usage: Used when achievements give you a reason to talk proudly.
28. Strut your stuff
Meaning: To show off your skills or abilities.
Example Sentence:
• He strutted his stuff on the dance floor.
• She strutted her stuff at the science fair.
Other ways to say: Show off, demonstrate skill
Fun Fact/Origin: “Strut” means to walk proudly, often with style.
Usage: Used when someone is confident in showing what they can do.
29. Be on cloud nine
Meaning: To be extremely happy and proud.
Example Sentence:
• She was on cloud nine after winning first place.
• He was on cloud nine when he got the job.
Other ways to say: Over the moon, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Origin unclear, but “cloud nine” has meant extreme happiness in U.S. slang since the 1950s.
Usage: Used for moments of joy and pride.
30. Victory lap
Meaning: A celebration after a win.
Example Sentence:
• The runners took a victory lap after the race.
• He did a victory lap around the gym after the game.
Other ways to say: Celebration run, triumph parade
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from racing, where winners take an extra lap to celebrate.
Usage: Used for public displays of pride after winning.
31. Look sharp
Meaning: To appear neat and confident.
Example Sentence:
• He looked sharp for his award ceremony.
• The team looked sharp in their uniforms.
Other ways to say: Dress well, be well-groomed
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American military and sports teams.
Usage: Used when appearance adds to pride.
32. Give yourself credit
Meaning: To acknowledge your own good work.
Example Sentence:
• Give yourself credit for improving your grades.
• She gave herself credit for finishing the painting.
Other ways to say: Recognize your efforts, be proud of your work
Fun Fact/Origin: Means giving yourself the same recognition others would give.
Usage: Used when reminding someone to value their own work.
33. Puff out your chest
Meaning: To stand with pride and confidence.
Example Sentence:
• He puffed out his chest when his name was called.
• She puffed out her chest during the pledge.
Other ways to say: Stand tall, show confidence
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals like birds making themselves look bigger.
Usage: Used when pride shows in posture.
34. Earn your stripes
Meaning: To achieve respect or recognition through effort.
Example Sentence:
• He earned his stripes during years of training.
• She earned her stripes by working hard on the project.
Other ways to say: Prove yourself, gain respect
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the stripes given to soldiers for service.
Usage: Used for accomplishments that earn respect.
35. Walk tall
Meaning: To move with pride and confidence.
Example Sentence:
• She walked tall after the award ceremony.
• They walked tall knowing they had done their best.
Other ways to say: Stand tall, move proudly
Fun Fact/Origin: Walking tall signals dignity and self-respect.
Usage: Used when pride is reflected in someone’s walk.
Quiz: Idioms About Pride
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone is “bursting with pride,” what does it mean?
A) They are upset about losing.
B) They are feeling very proud.
C) They are trying to hide their feelings.
2. What does “hold your head high” mean?
A) To be proud and confident even in a tough time.
B) To avoid looking at someone.
C) To stay quiet during a meeting.
3. If something is your “pride and joy,” what does that mean?
A) Something you value most.
B) Something you are embarrassed about.
C) Something you dislike.
4. What does “pat yourself on the back” mean?
A) To stretch your arm.
B) To feel proud of what you have done.
C) To greet someone.
5. If a person is “full of themselves,” what does it mean?
A) They are feeling tired.
B) They are thinking too highly of themselves.
C) They are proud in a humble way.
6. What does “feather in your cap” mean?
A) A piece of clothing.
B) A small mistake.
C) An achievement to be proud of.
7. If you “strut your stuff,” what are you doing?
A) Showing off your skills.
B) Cleaning your house.
C) Fixing your clothes.
8. What does “have bragging rights” mean?
A) You can tell others proudly about your success.
B) You have to be quiet about your win.
C) You must give credit to someone else.
9. If someone says “pride comes before a fall,” what are they warning about?
A) Being too proud can lead to failure.
B) You should never feel happy about your success.
C) It is bad to celebrate too soon.
10. What does “wear it like a badge of honor” mean?
A) To hide your achievement.
B) To show pride openly about something you’ve done.
C) To win an actual badge.
11. If you “walk tall,” what are you doing?
A) Walking slowly.
B) Walking with pride and confidence.
C) Walking quietly.
12. What does “earn your stripes” mean?
A) To get in trouble.
B) To prove yourself through effort.
C) To join a sports team.
Answer Key
- B) They are feeling very proud.
- A) To be proud and confident even in a tough time.
- A) Something you value most.
- B) To feel proud of what you have done.
- B) They are thinking too highly of themselves.
- C) An achievement to be proud of.
- A) Showing off your skills.
- A) You can tell others proudly about your success.
- A) Being too proud can lead to failure.
- B) To show pride openly about something you’ve done.
- B) Walking with pride and confidence.
- B) To prove yourself through effort.
Wrapping Up
Pride can be a good feeling when it comes from honest effort and achievement. In the USA, people use many idioms to express pride in themselves, their work, and their loved ones. These phrases make conversations richer and more personal. Knowing them helps you connect with others and share your feelings in a colorful way.
Using idioms like “bursting with pride” or “feather in your cap” can make your words more engaging. Just remember, pride should inspire confidence, not arrogance.
