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Phrase Meanings » flatter oneself
What does "flatter oneself" mean?
Be gratified vainly by one's own achievement; exaggerate one's good points. For example, He flattered himself that his presentation at the sales conference was a success, or She flattered herself that she was by far the best skater at the rink. This usage is often put negatively, as in Don't flatter yourself—we haven't won the contract yet. [Late 1500s]