Powder your nose

usgb
phrase

A polite or indirect way of saying that someone is going to the toilet.

Excuse me for a moment, I'm just going to powder my nose.
Visual representation of "powder your nose" - A polite or indirect way of saying that someone is going to the toilet

Often appears as...

  • excuse me
  • i'm going to powder my nose

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "powder your nose"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Politeness

Used to excuse oneself discreetly from a social situation without mentioning the toilet directly.

Illustration for Politeness
During dinner, Maria said she needed to powder her nose before dessert.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Gendered Origin

Originally women's slang; now it's more gender-neutral but can still imply femininity.

Illustration for Gendered Origin
He said he was going to powder his nose, which raised a few eyebrows.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Euphemism

It's a subtle way to address a bodily function without being explicit.

Illustration for Euphemism
When asked if she needed a break, Jane replied she'd just powder her nose.
Visual representation of the word "Powder your nose"

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