Crossword Genius

Exhausted and through with an exalted self-image (6,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

puffed up

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'exhausted' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for puffed up that I've seen is " Pompous".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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