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Ideas above one's station

Posted by RRC on August 20, 2007

In Reply to: Ideas above one's station posted by Probe 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".

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