Tooting your own horn
Meaning
To boast about one's own achievements or qualities in an often unmodest way.
Origin
Imagine a grand procession, heralded by trumpets and horns announcing the arrival of a king or champion. This fanfare, a blast of sound to draw all eyes and ears, was traditionally performed by a dedicated herald. But what if the king himself grabbed the trumpet and started blowing it, declaring his own greatness? The phrase "tooting your own horn" captures this very image. Emerging in the 19th century, it vividly depicts someone metaphorically grabbing their own instrument of announcement—their own horn—and loudly proclaiming their achievements, rather than waiting for others to sing their praises.
Examples
- After winning the championship, he couldn't stop tooting his own horn for weeks.
- It's good to be proud of your accomplishments, but try not to toot your own horn too much around others.