# not to brag

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-to-brag
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Prepended to praise of oneself or one's own doings, as a form of modesty.

## Examples

- Not to brag, but I finished the project early.
- Not to brag, but my garden looks better than it ever has this summer.
- Not to brag, but the committee selected my proposal over dozens of others for its unique approach to the problem.

## Origin

A phrase used to preface a boastful statement while ostensibly disclaiming the intent to boast. The expression functions as a conversational marker, signaling that the speaker is aware of the immodesty of the forthcoming information.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.