Thumb your nose at somebody/something
verb
To show disrespect or scorn for someone or something.
He has always thumbed his nose at authority.
Often appears as...
- thumb one's nose at authority
- thumb one's nose at the rules
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To show disrespect or scorn for someone or something.
He has always thumbed his nose at authority.
Often appears as...
- thumb one's nose at authority
- thumb one's nose at the rules
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Gesture
Originally, physically gesturing by placing a thumb on the nose. Now, used figuratively.
Mocking his rival, he said, 'I thumb my nose at your threats!' with a defiant look.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
The phrase is informal and could be rude if used in serious or respectful contexts.
She thumbed her nose at the dress code, arriving in casual attire.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
'Thumb your nose at' is not taken literally; it means generally disregarding with contempt.
He thumbed his nose at the curfew, staying out late without care.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Gesture
Originally, physically gesturing by placing a thumb on the nose. Now, used figuratively.
Mocking his rival, he said, 'I thumb my nose at your threats!' with a defiant look.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
The phrase is informal and could be rude if used in serious or respectful contexts.
She thumbed her nose at the dress code, arriving in casual attire.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
'Thumb your nose at' is not taken literally; it means generally disregarding with contempt.
He thumbed his nose at the curfew, staying out late without care.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Gesture
Originally, physically gesturing by placing a thumb on the nose. Now, used figuratively.
Mocking his rival, he said, 'I thumb my nose at your threats!' with a defiant look.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
The phrase is informal and could be rude if used in serious or respectful contexts.
She thumbed her nose at the dress code, arriving in casual attire.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Speech
'Thumb your nose at' is not taken literally; it means generally disregarding with contempt.
He thumbed his nose at the curfew, staying out late without care.
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