look down one’s nose: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘look down one's nose’ mean?
The idiom "look down one's nose" means to show disdain, contempt, or superiority towards someone or something, often with a haughty or arrogant attitude.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn one's nose up" means to show disdain or contempt towards something, often by refusing it or rejecting it with a gesture of disapproval.
The idiom "on one's high horse" means to be arrogant or haughty, often by behaving in a superior or condescending manner.
The idiom "one up" means to outdo or surpass someone in a competitive or comparison situation.
The idiom "one in the eye for" means to achieve victory or satisfaction over someone by delivering a blow or setback to them, often as a form of revenge or to prove oneself superior.
The idiom "old-fashioned look" refers to a traditional or outdated appearance or style that is reminiscent of the past. It implies a lack of modernity or contemporary relevance.
The idiom "no skin off one's nose" means that something does not affect or bother someone, or that they are not personally affected by a situation or outcome. It implies that the person has no reason to be concerned or worried about the matter.
The idiom "nose test" refers to a simple way of making a quick assessment or judgment about something based on one's intuition or instinct, without relying on a detailed analysis or investigation.
The idiom "nose-picker" refers to someone who engages in the habit of picking their nose, often in public. The term is used figuratively to describe someone who is considered socially inappropriate or lacking in manners.
The idiom "nose out of joint" means to be upset or offended by a slight or snub. It refers to feeling a sense of injury or annoyance when someone or something disrupts our expectations or status quo.
The idiom *nigger nose* is a racially offensive and derogatory term used to describe someone with a large or prominent nose, often associated with African Americans. It is important to note that this term is highly offensive and derogatory, and its use should be avoided.
Snobbish Disdain
The idiom "look down one's nose" is used to describe a condescending or disdainful attitude towards someone or something. It conveys a sense of superiority or contempt towards the object being looked upon. This physical gesture is typically done by tilting the head back slightly with the chin raised, causing the eyes to look down through the bridge of the nose.
The phrase originates from the physical act of actually looking down one's nose, which allows for a literal downward view. This action has been metaphorically adapted to indicate a sense of looking down upon something or someone with scorn or disdain. The idiom has been used since the early 19th century and can be found in various literary works.
The idiom "look down one's nose" is closely related to other expressions that convey a similar meaning, such as "look down upon" and "look down on." These phrases also depict an attitude of superiority and contempt towards others. Another related idiom is "turn one's nose up," which suggests a dismissive or snobbish attitude towards something or someone.
When someone "looks down their nose" at another person or thing, they are demonstrating arrogance or haughtiness. They may believe that they are superior and that the person or thing they are looking down upon is of lesser importance. This attitude can be seen in both casual and formal contexts and is often used to highlight a negative or judgmental mindset.
The idiom "look down one's nose" can be further connected to the expression "look up and down." This phrase implies a thorough examination or scrutiny of someone or something. When someone "looks up and down" another person, they are assessing them from head to toe, potentially with an air of superiority or judgment.
Another related idiom is "look over one's shoulder," which means to be cautious or watchful for possible threats or competition. This phrase suggests a sense of apprehension or wariness, as if someone is expecting to be challenged or found lacking. It can be seen as a defensive response to feeling insecure or inferior.
The idiom "look down one's nose" is a widely used expression in the English language that describes a condescending or disdainful attitude towards someone or something. It originated from the physical act of looking down one's nose, which is metaphorically adapted to signify a sense of superiority or contempt. This idiom is closely related to other expressions such as "look down upon," "look down on," "turn one's nose up," "look up and down," and "look over one's shoulder," all of which convey various shades of judgment, superiority, or wariness.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "look down one's nose" can be used in a sentence:
- She looked down her nose at him when he mentioned his low-paying job.
- He tends to look down his nose at people who don't share his taste in music.
- Don't look down your nose at someone just because they have a different background or beliefs.
More "Pride" idioms
