Have you ever had a conversation with someone and walked away feeling… small?
Like they were subtly (or not-so-subtly) trying to prove they’re smarter, more successful, or just plain better than you?
It’s frustrating. And sometimes, it’s so sneaky that you don’t even realize it’s happening in the moment.
But here’s the thing—people who think they’re superior often have a way of revealing themselves through their words.
There are certain phrases they use that signal exactly how they see you (and themselves).
Once you recognize them, you’ll never miss the signs again.
Here are seven phrases people say when they think they’re better than you.
1) “Well, actually…”
You’ve probably heard this one before. It’s the classic go-to for someone who just has to correct you—even when it doesn’t really matter.
Maybe you’re sharing a story, expressing an opinion, or casually mentioning something you learned. Then, out of nowhere—“Well, actually…”—and suddenly, they’re swooping in to “educate” you.
Of course, sometimes people just want to share knowledge or clarify something helpful. But when it happens constantly (and with a smug tone), it’s less about adding value and more about proving they know better.
It’s not a conversation—it’s a competition. And in their mind, they always have to win.
2) “You wouldn’t understand.”
I remember a time when a former coworker said this to me, and it stuck with me for all the wrong reasons.
We were talking about career growth, and I casually shared my thoughts on handling challenges in a leadership role.
Without missing a beat, they smirked and said, “You wouldn’t understand. You’ve never managed a team like I have.”
Ouch.
Instead of encouraging discussion, that one sentence shut it down completely. It wasn’t about sharing insight—it was about making sure I knew they were on a different (and supposedly higher) level.
The truth is, dismissive phrases like this aren’t just condescending; they’re conversation killers.
They send the message that your perspective isn’t even worth considering. And that? That’s a clear sign of someone who thinks they’re above you.
3) “I could do that in my sleep.”
Maybe you just accomplished something you’re really proud of. Maybe you’re learning a new skill, taking on a challenge, or stepping outside your comfort zone.
And then—bam. Someone shrugs and says, “I could do that in my sleep.”
It’s a small sentence, but it carries a big message: What you’re doing isn’t impressive. It’s easy. Anyone (especially them) could do it effortlessly.
But here’s the thing—just because something is easy for one person doesn’t mean it’s easy for everyone. And more importantly, why belittle someone else’s effort?
People who say this aren’t trying to uplift or encourage. They’re trying to make sure you know they’re on a different level. A level where what challenges you is nothing more than a casual afterthought to them.
And that says a lot more about them than it does about you.
4) “I’m just being honest.”
Honesty is great. But let’s be real—some people use it as an excuse to be downright rude.
You share an idea, and they immediately tear it apart. You open up about something personal, and they hit you with a harsh critique. And when you react? “I’m just being honest.”
It’s not honesty—it’s superiority disguised as “tough love.” Instead of offering constructive feedback or showing empathy, they use bluntness as a weapon.
The truth is, real honesty doesn’t need to be cruel. People who genuinely care about you will tell the truth in a way that helps, not in a way that makes them feel superior at your expense.
5) “Not to brag, but…”
Ever notice how anything that comes after this phrase is always, in fact, bragging?
Whether it’s about their job, money, connections, or accomplishments, this is a go-to phrase for people who want to show off while pretending they’re being humble.
Here’s the kicker—studies have shown that humblebragging actually makes people less likable than outright bragging.
Why? Because it feels insincere. People see right through the false modesty.
At its core, this phrase isn’t just about sharing success—it’s about making sure you know where they stand (above you) without saying it outright.
6) “I would never do that.”
Mistakes, struggles, and tough choices—everyone faces them. But some people act like they’re above it all.
You open up about a difficult decision or something you regret, and instead of understanding, they respond with, “I would never do that.”
No curiosity. No effort to see things from your perspective. Just a quick dismissal that leaves you feeling judged.
But life isn’t black and white. We all have different experiences, challenges, and reasons for the choices we make. And the last thing anyone needs is someone acting like they’re immune to being human.
7) “People like you…”
This one might not seem obvious at first, but pay attention to how it’s used.
“People like you don’t get it.”
“People like you always overreact.”
“People like you will never succeed.”
It’s a subtle way of putting you in a box—one that’s beneath them. It creates distance, a clear divide between them and you.
Because in their mind, they’re not just different. They’re better.
The bottom line
Words have power—not just in what they say, but in what they reveal.
When someone constantly uses phrases that diminish, dismiss, or subtly place themselves above others, it speaks volumes about how they see the world—and their place in it.
But here’s what’s important to remember: their words don’t define you.
People who truly value connection don’t need to prove they’re better. They listen, they respect, and they lift others up instead of pushing them down.
So the next time you hear one of these phrases, take a step back.
You don’t have to engage in their game. You don’t have to shrink yourself to make them feel bigger.
Walk away if you need to. Set boundaries where necessary.
The right people won’t make you question your worth—they’ll remind you of it.
