flatter yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flatter yourself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a phrase often used to tell someone not to be conceited, as in "Don't flatter yourself - you're not that important!" or "Don't flatter yourself - you didn't really do anything special."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"You flatter yourself.

The New Yorker

Repeat, Dirtbag 1 is moving.' " "Don't flatter yourself," Jewford said.

The New Yorker

Unless, of course, you flatter yourself into thinking that what you're experiencing is 'yearning'".

The Guardian - Books

Yes, you've wreaked some havoc, bin Laden, but don't flatter yourself into thinking you can destroy us.

The New York Times

But don't flatter yourself: the last 15 years haven't been a revival for Russia, and the country hasn't risen from its knees.

The Guardian

Don't flatter yourself that your board is fully behind you when it is sniping at you to your face; I have seen this happen to two BBC director-generals with unpleasant consequences.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Even so, when one of the characters finally cried in exasperation "What is this – Ten Little Indians?", I thought, don't flatter yourself, Sven.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The hilarious implication was of course how silly and self-indulgent it was to think flattering yourself in front of a mirror really meant anything.

Huffington Post

"I am good enough, I am smart enough, and doggone it, people like me". There was also: "I am an attractive person, I deserve my share of happiness, I deserve good things". The hilarious implication was of course how silly and self-indulgent it was to think flattering yourself in front of a mirror really meant anything.

HuffPost

Make sure you listen critically, as flattering yourself will not help you improve.

WikiHow

You're more likely to cause cuts and nicks on fleshy areas, so use your free hand to stretch the skin, giving yourself a flatter surface to shave.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flatter yourself" when you want to gently chide someone for being overly proud or assuming too much about their impact or attractiveness. The phrase implies a mild rebuke rather than harsh criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "flatter yourself" in situations that call for stronger language, such as when addressing serious arrogance or inflated egos. The phrase is best suited for mild corrections, not for confronting profound self-importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flatter yourself" functions as an idiomatic expression used to disparage someone's inflated sense of self-importance or attractiveness. It serves as a corrective remark indicating that the person's self-perception is unrealistic or exaggerated, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flatter yourself" is a common expression used to gently correct someone who is overestimating their importance, attractiveness, or abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember that it is best suited for informal contexts and mild rebukes, rather than serious confrontations. Alternatives like "don't overestimate yourself" or "don't get a big head" can offer similar sentiments with slight variations in tone. Be mindful of your audience and context to ensure your message is received well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Don't think too highly of yourself

A more direct way of telling someone to be humble.

Don't overestimate yourself

Focuses on ability/importance instead of direct vanity.

Don't think you're all that

A more colloquial way of expressing disbelief in someone's self-regard.

Don't get a big head

Informal expression indicating arrogance or conceit.

Don't let it go to your head

Warns against becoming overly proud or arrogant.

Don't be so vain

Directly addresses someone's vanity.

Don't become too self-satisfied

Cautions against complacency and excessive self-admiration.

Keep your ego in check

Advises someone to control their pride or self-importance.

Don't get ahead of yourself

Implies someone is acting presumptuously.

Don't congratulate yourself too soon

Suggests that it is premature to celebrate success.

FAQs

How can I use "flatter yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "flatter yourself" to gently correct someone's overestimation of their importance or attractiveness, as in, "Don't "flatter yourself"; the event wasn't about you."

What does "flatter yourself" mean?

"Flatter yourself" means to believe something favorable about yourself, often unrealistically or excessively. It's usually used to tell someone not to be conceited or assume too much.

What are some alternatives to saying "flatter yourself"?

Alternatives to "flatter yourself" include phrases like "don't overestimate yourself", "don't get a big head", or "don't think too highly of yourself".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "flatter yourself"?

It is appropriate to use "flatter yourself" in response to someone's statement or action that suggests they have an inflated sense of their own importance, attractiveness, or abilities, but in a mildly teasing or corrective way.