Take a Nosedive

Meaning of Idiom ‘Take a Nosedive’ 1. Of an aircraft, to go into a sudden and rapid descent with the nose of the aircraft pointed at the ground. 1 2. Of a person, to fall face first toward the ground. 2 3. to fall suddenly and quickly; to fail to hold one’s position; a sudden rapid decline … Read more

Thumb Your Nose At Someone Meaning

Meaning of Idiom ‘Thumb Your (or one’s) Nose’ To thumb one’s nose at someone means to show contempt or defiance; to ridicule or scorn someone; to show that you do not respect someone or something. 1,2,3 A literal gesture is associated with the idiom ‘thumb your nose.’ This silly gesture is used to show contempt … Read more

Look Down Your Nose

Also: look down on Meaning of Idiom ‘Look Down Your (or one’s) Nose’ To look down your nose at something or someone means to consider them inferior or of little value or importance; to regard someone with condescension or contempt. 1,2,3 Usage Notes Although to look down on and look down one’s nose are interchangeable, … Read more

Pay Through the Nose

Meaning of Idiom ‘Pay Through the Nose’ To pay through the nose means to pay an excessive amount of money for something; to pay much too high a price. Sentence Examples “People in rural areas have to pay through the nose for slow internet access.” “Be careful before you pay through the nose for a … Read more

Rub Someone’s Nose In It

Meaning Of Idiom ‘Rub Someone’s Nose In It (or something) To rub someone’s nose in something is to repeatedly remind them of something they have done wrong, some painful or embarrassing fact, or a personal fault. 1,2,3 Often this idiom is used in the negative, as in the common phrase “Don’t rub my nose in it.” … Read more

Nose Around

Also: Nose about Meaning of Idiom ‘Nose Around’ To nose around is to snoop around. It means to look for something that is hidden or being kept private or just to look around someone else’s property. The idiom is sometimes used, as well, to refer to the actions of a busy-body, someone hanging around and eavesdropping on private … Read more

Brown Nose, to

Also: Brown Noser (brown-noser) Brownnosing (brown nosing, brown-nosing) Meaning of Idiom ‘Brown Nose’ To brown nose is to obsequiously and shamelessly try to gain someone’s favor by being sycophantic and affecting a subservient attitude, being overly agreeable, flattering, etc. 1,2 One who engages in brownnosing is called a brown-noser. Synonyms or related words for brownnosing are obsequious, … Read more