high horse

Etymology:

• It is an 18th century phrase but has a 14th century history, in the times when royal ceremonies and exhibitions were very famous among people. It was customary that people of high rank, status and superior position used to ride on big horses that were quite taller than the average horse. As they were on high horse they assumed them to be distinctive and superior. Hence from that custom, the idea popped up that people who are arrogant, snobbish, and proud are on “high horse”.