enshrine in stone; build up one's image (derog.)
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to engrave one's life story on a stone tablet and write a biography to praise them
archaicOriginal literal meaning referring to the historical practice of commemorating virtuous officials or notable figures through stone inscriptions and biographical writings. Now rarely used in this literal sense.
The local people erected a monument and wrote a biography for this honest official to commemorate his virtuous governance.
Ancient people often enshrined those with virtuous governance in stone and biography, ensuring their good reputation lasted for generations.
verb
to build up one's prestige and elevate one's reputation through various means; to grandstand
derogatoryModern figurative usage implying self-serving behavior to enhance one's public image, often through propaganda, media manipulation, or conspicuous displays of virtue. Always carries a negative connotation.
He grandstands everywhere to gain political capital for himself.
This kind of self-aggrandizing behavior is disgusting.
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Stop thinking about building your own monument and just do solid work.