on (one's) high horse

on (one's) high horse

Having an attitude of condescending moral superiority. My sister was a troublemaker as a teenager, yet she's always on her high horse lecturing me about my life choices. The radio host is known for climbing on his high horse when talking to listeners and guests about the importance of family values.See also: high, horse, on

on one's high horse

Fig. in a haughty manner or mood. Larry is on his high horse again, bossing people around. The boss is on her high horse about the cost of office supplies.See also: high, horse, on

on one's high horse

In an arrogant or condescending manner. For example, When they started talking about music, David got on his high horse and said that classical music was only fit for museums and archives . This expression, alluding to the use of tall horses by high-ranking persons, dates from the late 1700s. Similarly, off one's high horse means "less arrogantly, more humbly," as in I wish she'd get off her high horse and be more friendly. It dates from the early 1900s, but is heard less often today. See also: high, horse, on

on your high horse

used to refer to someone behaving in an arrogant or pompous manner. informalSee also: high, horse, on

on one’s high horse

mod. in a haughty manner or mood; bossy. Larry is on his high horse again, bossing people around. See also: high, horse, on