Iliff-King phrasebook
definition
top it the nob verb
Come it high. Patronise. Act superior. Put on airs.
Example
—I’ve beaten my brother four times running
—Come on, he’s three years younger. Don’t top it the nob!
Origin
From the Aubrey-Maturin books of Patrick O’Brian, which means it is probably a genuine 18ᵗʰ century expression
Collector
M & N – 1980s
Mark & Naomi
Notes
For the avoidance of doubt: nob = member of the nobility; nob ≠ knob
See also
early to rise, early to bed, makes a man healthy, wealthy and dead
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