big-boy pants
The phrase "big-boy pants" originated as a reference to the transition from diapers to regular underwear for young boys and has evolved to signify taking on adult responsibilities.
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Definition
B2Parenting
(informal)Pull-up underwear worn by young boys during and after toilet training.
Example
- He's so proud to wear his big-boy pants now that he's potty trained.
C1General
(slang, figurative)A metaphor for acting with maturity and taking on adult responsibilities.
Example
- It's time to put on your big-boy pants and finish the project.
- He needs to wear his big-boy pants and apologize for his mistake.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "big-boy pants":
big-girl pantsbig boybaby pantsfancy pantswear the trousersbig girlpair of pantsrubber pantstoo big for one's britches