The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word POMP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
O
M
P
More clues leading to the result POMP
- Ceremony in ball cut by a third
- Representative attends flower ceremony
- Married, surrounded by champagne? Splendid stuff
- Self-importance of parent banking millions
- Great display that sees champ finally clean up
- Display anti-aircraft gun, ignoring one order
- Cheap display of afternoon work used up
- Splendour of chamberpot’s representative
- Great show of British power
- Brief report describes prom’s final ceremony
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Self-importance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case self-importance = pomp.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POMP mean?
POMP noun- Show of magnificence; parade; display; power.
- A procession distinguished by ostentation and splendor; a pageant.
- To make a pompous display; to conduct.