Definition
自鸣得意 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to be smugly self-satisfied' or 'to preen oneself'. Literally it reads 'self-cry-proud-intent', but the figurative meaning is about showing off one's own achievements or being complacent. It often carries a slightly negative tone, implying that the person is overly proud without real merit.
f.e.
to be smug and self-satisfiedto preen oneself
Examples
- 自鸣得意，。Tā gāng shēngzhí jiù zì míng dé, ràng tóngshì hěn bù shūfu.He just got promoted and started preening himself, making his colleagues uncomfortable.
- 自鸣得意，。Bié zì míng dé le, nǐ de chéngjì hái méi nàme hǎo.Don't be so smug; your achievements aren't that great.
- 自鸣得意，。Tā zǒngshì zì míng dé, qíshí dàjiā dōu bù xǐhuan tā.She's always preening herself, but actually nobody likes her.
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