marry below (oneself)

marry below (oneself)

To marry someone who is of a lower social class or standing than oneself. A: "I hear that Mr. Sullivan plans to marry a local fishmonger's daughter." B: "Why would a man of his esteem marry below himself like that?" Janet has a bright future with one of the best law firms in town, so it's beyond me why she's marrying below herself with some fast food worker.See also: below, marry

marry below oneself

 and marry beneath oneselfFig. to marry someone in a lower social class than oneself. He married beneath himself, but he is happy, and what more is required of a marriage? He did not want to marry beneath himself.See also: below, marry