A man carries polystyrene heads to form part of a platform being built for the Durga Puja festival in India. Photo: Jayanta Dey/Reuters
Today's Phrase
In English, a 'big head' is someone who thinks that they are very clever and successful, and boasts about their achievements.
For example:
Nigel has boasted about his new job all night – he's such a big head!
I don't want to know about your perfect exam results. Don’t be such a big head.
Ruth's new boyfriend is lovely – the last one was a real big head and always showing off.
Don't confuse it with
If you have a big mouth, you talk too much, often about things which should be kept secret.
Don't say anything to Catherine about the job cuts – she's such a big mouth, she'll tell everyone in the office.
Interesting fact
Durga Puja is the annual Hindu festival in South Asia, in which thousands of people pay homage to the Hindu goddess, Durga. It is widely celebrated in many Indian states with a five-day annual holiday. Festival traditions include displaying idols of Durga, created out of different materials.
