Getting ideas
Meaning: Aspiring above one's expected position
When someone starts to think they deserve more or better than their current position—often said critically about someone seen as overstepping class boundaries.
Examples
- She's getting ideas since that promotion. 自从升职后她就飘了se le han subido los humos desde el ascenso昇進してから調子に乗っている승진한 뒤로 우쭐해졌다.
- Don't go getting ideas. 别想入非非no se te ocurra darte aires調子に乗らないで건방진 생각은 하지 마.
- Getting ideas above himself. 他越来越不知天高地厚了se le están subiendo los humos身の程知らずになっている주제넘게 굴고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: criticism, warning
Tone: warning, critical
✓ Do Say
- Getting ideas飘了、想入非非darse aires調子に乗る우쭐해지다
- Don't get ideas别想入非非no te des aires調子に乗るな건방지게 굴지 마
✗ Don't Say
- Can seem controlling可能显得控制欲太强Puede sonar controlador相手を支配しようとしているように聞こえることがある통제적으로 보일 수 있음
Common Mistakes
- Discouraging legitimate ambition
Origin & History
British class expression warning against aspiring beyond one's 'place' in society. Part of a vocabulary designed to keep people in their social position.
Etymology: Getting (acquiring) + ideas (aspirations)
First recorded: 19th century onwards
Cultural Context
Era: 19th century onwards
Generation: All generations
Social background: Class control mechanism
Pop culture: British class commentary
Regional notes: British expression.
Variations
Related Phrases
More From This Topic
More from Class & Social Status
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free