Please stop acting your age, not your shoe size.
act one's age, not one's shoe size
idiomSynonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
Origin
disputed originIn reference to a person's shoe size (in the US or UK shoe size systems) usually being much lower than their age.
The teenagers were throwing food in the cafeteria, so the teacher told them to act their age, not their shoe size.
Despite his professional title, he continued to make immature jokes during the board meeting, prompting his colleague to suggest he finally act his age, not his shoe size.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act of Congress
An authorization that is extremely difficult to obtain, especially in a timely fashion.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 05
act out
To perform something specific.
- 06
act the hypocrite
To behave deceitfully or hypocritically; to dissemble.
- 07
act up
To misbehave; to cause trouble.
- 08
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.