Re: Ideas above one's station

Posted by ESC on August 20, 2007

In Reply to: Re: Ideas above one's station posted by Smokey Stover on August 20, 2007

: : : : : : Ideas above one's station - is that the same as having airs and graces or does it describe a class system in which having thoughts about matters regarded as the preserve of a higher class is forbidden or at least frowned upon?

: : : : : The latter interpretation is correct. To do anything "above one's station" is to act presumptuously, as if one occupied a higher position. The context needn't be a class system in the sociological sense. Imagine a first-year law student arguing with the chief justice of the Supreme Court. ~rb

: : : : Or a casual junior worker arguing with a senior manager on their first day. Pamela

: : : What does "having airs and graces" mean?

: : : Thank you.

: : I think the poster meant "putting on airs".

: RRC is correct, "airs and graces" are affectations of elegance of manners. Don't look at me that way, I got it from a dictionary.
: SS

Getting above your raisin'.