to boast; to talk big; originally, Buddhist preaching
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to boast; to brag; to talk big
derogatoryThis idiom is now predominantly used to criticize someone who exaggerates their abilities or achievements, often in a pretentious or empty way. It originates from the Buddhist practice of 'blowing the Dharma conch' to preach.
He's always boasting all day, saying how many celebrities he knows, but none of it is true.
The salesman is boasting again in front of the client, describing the product in the most extravagant terms.
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Don't believe him; he's just a big talker who has never accomplished anything significant.
verb
to preach the Buddhist Dharma (original meaning)
literaryThe original, literal meaning of '吹法螺' refers to the practice of blowing a conch shell (法螺), a sacred instrument, to announce a Buddhist sermon or to spread the Dharma. This sense is now rare and the idiom is almost exclusively used in its modern metaphorical sense.
In ancient times, eminent monks would blow the Dharma conch at religious assemblies to preach the Buddhist teachings.