Phrase Explanation: Don’t Flatter Yourself

When someone says, “Don’t flatter yourself“, they’re telling you not to overestimate your importance or influence in a certain situation. It’s like saying don’t be too proud or think too highly of yourself about something.

Here are two examples in sentences:

Example 1:
“Don’t flatter yourself, Sarah. I didn’t come to the party just to see you,” said her ex-boyfriend.

Example 2:
Mike told his competitor, “Don’t flatter yourself. I didn’t lose the game because of you. I just had a bad day.”

Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:

Example 3:
Emma: Hi, Tom! I see you’ve been working out, thinking I’ll be impressed?
Tom: Well, Emma…
Emma: Don’t flatter yourself, Tom. I go to the gym too.

Example 4:
Lucy: Hey, John! I bet you think you’re the reason I started playing basketball.
John: I thought I inspired you, Lucy.
Lucy: Don’t flatter yourself, John. I’ve always loved basketball.

So, when someone says “Don’t flatter yourself“, they’re suggesting that you’re overestimating your role or influence in a situation. It’s a phrase often used to bring someone’s pride or self-importance down a notch.

scroll to top