In 15 Seconds
- Used for someone who becomes arrogant after achieving success.
- Equivalent to the English idiom 'to get a big head.'
- Best for casual conversations, gossip, or lighthearted teasing.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who has become arrogant or conceited because of their success. It is like saying someone has a 'big head' and thinks they are better than everyone else.
Key Examples
3 of 6Gossiping about a coworker
Depuis qu'il a eu sa promotion, il a vraiment pris la grosse tête.
Since he got his promotion, he's really gotten a big head.
Teasing a friend who won a game
Fais attention, tu vas prendre la grosse tête avec toutes ces victoires !
Watch out, you're going to get a big head with all these wins!
Discussing a famous actor
J'aime bien cet acteur, il n'a pas pris la grosse tête malgré la célébrité.
I really like this actor; he hasn't gotten a big head despite the fame.
Cultural Background
In France, 'la modestie' is a social requirement. Public figures who boast are often 'cut down to size' by the media using this phrase. In Quebec, you might also hear 'se prendre pour un autre' (to think one is someone else) to express the same idea. In some African French contexts, 'faire le malin' or 'faire le boucan' can overlap with the idea of showing off, though 'grosse tête' is perfectly understood. Belgians use the phrase similarly to the French, often in the context of sports rivalries between local clubs.
Use it for celebrities
This is the most common way to talk about stars who become difficult to work with.
Don't use 'être'
Remember: 'être une grosse tête' = smart. 'prendre la grosse tête' = arrogant. Don't mix them up!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for someone who becomes arrogant after achieving success.
- Equivalent to the English idiom 'to get a big head.'
- Best for casual conversations, gossip, or lighthearted teasing.
What It Means
Imagine a friend wins a local talent show. Suddenly, they stop texting you back. They only talk about their 'fans.' In French, we say they have pris la grosse tête. It means their ego has inflated. They think they are the center of the universe now. It is the classic 'big head' syndrome.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone a la grosse tête (has it) or prend la grosse tête (is starting to get it). It is very common in spoken French. You can use it to gossip or to tease a friend. Just be careful; it is a real criticism of someone's character.
When To Use It
Use it when someone's behavior changes after a promotion. Use it when a celebrity acts like a diva. It is perfect for that coworker who won 'Employee of the Month' and now refuses to make coffee. You might text a friend: Depuis son nouveau job, il a grave pris la grosse tête. It adds a bit of spice to your complaints.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a formal performance review. It is too colorful for a serious HR meeting. Avoid saying it to your boss's face unless you want to get fired. Also, do not use it for someone who is just confident. There is a fine line between 'proud' and la grosse tête. Use it only when the ego becomes annoying.
Cultural Background
French culture generally values modesty and 'discrétion.' Showing off is often looked down upon. This phrase became very popular with the rise of mass media and reality TV. It captures the French disdain for 'nouveaux riches' or people who forget their roots. There is even a famous radio show called Les Grosses Têtes, though that is more about being 'big-brained' or clever.
Common Variations
You might hear avoir le boulard in very informal slang. It means the exact same thing. Another one is se prendre pour quelqu'un d'autre (to think you are someone else). But prendre la grosse tête remains the gold standard. It is visual, easy to understand, and very satisfying to say.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is perfect for social settings and casual storytelling, but should be avoided in formal writing or when speaking to superiors.
Use it for celebrities
This is the most common way to talk about stars who become difficult to work with.
Don't use 'être'
Remember: 'être une grosse tête' = smart. 'prendre la grosse tête' = arrogant. Don't mix them up!
The 'Melon' alternative
If you want to sound more like a native in a casual setting, use 'avoir le melon'.
Modesty is key
In France, calling someone out for this is a common way to enforce social equality.
Examples
6Depuis qu'il a eu sa promotion, il a vraiment pris la grosse tête.
Since he got his promotion, he's really gotten a big head.
Describes a change in personality due to professional success.
Fais attention, tu vas prendre la grosse tête avec toutes ces victoires !
Watch out, you're going to get a big head with all these wins!
Used playfully to keep a friend humble.
J'aime bien cet acteur, il n'a pas pris la grosse tête malgré la célébrité.
I really like this actor; he hasn't gotten a big head despite the fame.
Used in the negative to praise someone's humility.
Restons humbles sur ce projet, il ne faut pas prendre la grosse tête.
Let's stay humble on this project; we mustn't get ahead of ourselves.
Used as a collective warning to stay grounded.
Elle ne répond plus aux messages, elle a trop pris la grosse tête.
She doesn't reply to messages anymore; she's gotten way too full of herself.
Expressing annoyance at someone's perceived arrogance.
J'ai eu peur de prendre la grosse tête à un moment donné.
I was afraid of getting a big head at one point.
Self-reflection on one's own ego.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'prendre'.
Depuis qu'il a gagné le prix, il ___ la grosse tête.
We use the passé composé 'a pris' to indicate a change that has happened.
Which of these is a synonym for 'prendre la grosse tête'?
Quel est le synonyme ?
'Avoir le melon' is a very common informal synonym.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Un ami gagne au loto et ne vous parle plus.
Ignoring friends after success is the definition of 'prendre la grosse tête'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tu as vu le nouveau stagiaire ? Il donne des ordres à tout le monde.' B: 'Oui, il ___.'
Acting superior to others, especially when new or junior, fits the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Smart vs. Arrogant
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDepuis qu'il a gagné le prix, il ___ la grosse tête.
We use the passé composé 'a pris' to indicate a change that has happened.
Quel est le synonyme ?
'Avoir le melon' is a very common informal synonym.
Un ami gagne au loto et ne vous parle plus.
Ignoring friends after success is the definition of 'prendre la grosse tête'.
A: 'Tu as vu le nouveau stagiaire ? Il donne des ordres à tout le monde.' B: 'Oui, il ___.'
Acting superior to others, especially when new or junior, fits the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is critical, but not vulgar. You can say it to a friend as a joke, but saying it about a boss is risky.
Yes, usually in the negative: 'J'espère que je ne vais pas prendre la grosse tête.'
The opposite is 'rester humble' or 'garder les pieds sur terre'.
Yes, it is 'la grosse tête' regardless of the person's gender.
Yes, 'avoir' describes the state, 'prendre' describes the change.
No, that would only refer to physical size.
Yes, very often to describe successful entrepreneurs.
Not at all, it is used daily in modern French.
It's the exact same thing, just a bit more slangy.
Yes, it's common in schools to talk about 'popular' kids.
Sometimes people mimic a balloon expanding around their head with their hands.
Frequently, especially in sports and entertainment news.
Related Phrases
avoir le melon
synonymTo have a melon (head)
avoir les chevilles qui enflent
similarTo have swelling ankles
garder la tête froide
contrastTo keep a cool head
se prendre pour le nombril du monde
similarTo think one is the navel of the world
redescendre sur terre
builds onTo come back down to earth
