What does “Follow your nose” mean?

"Follow your nose" means to trust your instincts and go in the direction that feels right.

What context can I use the in?

Example

When it comes to making decisions, it's always best to follow your nose.

Example

I wasn't sure which path to take, so I decided to follow my nose and see where it led me.

Example

Sometimes you just have to follow your nose and see where life takes you

Is “Follow your nose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Follow your nose” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Follow your nose” effectively in context?

You can use "Follow your nose" to encourage someone to trust their instincts and go in the direction that feels right. For instance, if a friend is unsure about which job offer to accept, you might say, 'Just follow your nose and choose the one that resonates with you the most.'

1Decision Making
When faced with a difficult choice, it's important to follow your nose and listen to your intuition.
2Exploration
Instead of following a map, they decided to follow their nose and explore the city on foot.
3Life Direction
After feeling stuck in their career, they decided to follow their nose and pursue their passion.

Similar phrases to “Follow your nose”:

Go with your gut

To trust your intuition or instinct

Example

He decided to go with his gut and invest in the startup.

Listen to your heart

To trust your emotions or inner feelings when making a decision

Example

She listened to her heart and followed her dream of becoming a musician.

Trust your judgment

To have confidence in your own ability to make decisions

Example

They trusted their judgment and made the right call.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Follow your nose” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Follow your nose" is unknown.

Is “Follow your nose” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Follow your nose" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to trust their instincts and make decisions based on what feels right.

What tone does “Follow your nose” have?

"Follow your nose" conveys a tone of encouragement and trust. It suggests that the person's intuition will guide them in the right direction.

Can “Follow your nose” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Follow your nose" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of trusting one's instincts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to follow her nose and pursue a career in art.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "follow your nose"!' to imply trusting one's instincts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

trust your instincts
rely on your intuition
follow your intuition
listen to your inner voice
let your intuition be your guide

Antonyms

overthink
second-guess yourself
doubt your instincts
ignore your intuition
disregard your gut feeling