Example: Il a monté sur ses grands chevaux dès la moindre critique.
Definition
"Monter sur ses grands chevaux" is a French expression meaning to become suddenly angry or defensive, often over a minor issue, as in the example phrase where someone reacts strongly to the slightest criticism.
Translations
To get on one's high horse
Ponerse hecho una furia
Hoog van de toren blazen
Posar-se fet una fera
Sich aufspielen
Etymology
The phrase "Monter sur ses grands chevaux" literally means 'to mount one's tall horses.' It originates from the imagery of someone getting on a tall horse to appear more imposing or authoritative, symbolizing an exaggerated reaction or taking offense quickly.
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"Monter sur ses grands chevaux" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To get on one's high horse