high-flown

[ hahy-flohn ]

/ ˈhaɪˈfloʊn /

extravagant in aims, pretensions, etc.

pretentiously lofty; bombastic: We couldn't endure his high-flown oratory.

Origin of high-flown

First recorded in 1640–50

2 florid, flowery, magniloquent, grandiloquent.

Best line: “No amount of straining for high-flown uplift can disguise the fact that The Goldfinch is a turkey.”

Hatchet Job of the Year 2014 Shortlist Announced |The Telegraph |January 19, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The guy was a state senator from Illinois, not exactly a high-flown position.

David Remnick's 'Bridge' to Obama: Full Transcript |The Daily Beast Video |April 10, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
Pamela spoke a language still understood of many, and if she was not romantic or high-flown, there are others like her.

Res Judicat |Augustine Birrell
Mr. Hunt was annoyed with and sorry for the culprit, yet he could not help smiling at this high-flown generosity of confidence.

Husks |Marion Harland

Lully and Rameau took for their model the high-flown declamation of the tragedy stage of their time.

Musicians of To-Day |Romain Rolland
He needs not high-flown expressions or protestations in order to convince; nor would an oath add authority to his words.

Biographies of Distinguished Scientific Men |Francois Arago
Still the hats and gowns must not be ignored by any high-flown philosophy.

Cupid's Middleman |Edward B. Lent

high-flown

extravagant or pretentious in conception or intention high-flown ideas