Learning English Conversations
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min · 8 segments
When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free…
Oh, Becca, don't sell yourself short.
You are creative, and I'm sure your idea isn't plain.
That's very kind of you to say, Feifei, and a good use of the expression, "sell yourself short." When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves.
We undervalue or underestimate ourselves.
Like when you called your own idea pretty plain, you underestimated your sense of style.
Okay, now let's hear some more examples of this phrase, sell yourself short.
[upbeat music] My sister keeps talking badly about herself.
I told her to stop selling herself short.
If you've got a job interview coming up soon, the most important thing is don't sell yourself short.
Don't sell yourself short.
You can definitely get a place on that course.
[upbeat music] So Becca, what would be the opposite of selling yourself short? Is it selling yourself long, or maybe selling yourself tall?
It's not that simple, Feifei.
We can't make the opposite of this phrase by using antonyms of short, like long or tall.
We could say that we value ourselves.
We could also say that we know or recognize our value or worth.
I see.
Oh, Becca, don't sell yourself short.
You are creative, and I'm sure your idea isn't plain.
That's very kind of you to say, Feifei, and a good use of the expression, "sell yourself short." When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves.
We undervalue or underestimate ourselves.
Like when you called your own idea pretty plain, you underestimated your sense of style.
Okay, now let's hear some more examples of this phrase, sell yourself short.
[upbeat music] My sister keeps talking badly about herself.
I told her to stop selling herself short.
If you've got a job interview coming up soon, the most important thing is don't sell yourself short.
Don't sell yourself short.
You can definitely get a place on that course.
[upbeat music] So Becca, what would be the opposite of selling yourself short? Is it selling yourself long, or maybe selling yourself tall?
It's not that simple, Feifei.
We can't make the opposite of this phrase by using antonyms of short, like long or tall.
We could say that we value ourselves.
We could also say that we know or recognize our value or worth.
I see.
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