Pay Through the Nose (For Something): Learn what the means through example!

What does “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” mean?

"Pay Through the Nose (For Something)" means to pay an excessively high price for something.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I had to pay through the nose for that designer handbag.

Example

They really made me pay through the nose for those concert tickets.

Example

He's always willing to pay through the nose for the latest gadgets

Is “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” 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 “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” effectively in context?

You can use "Pay Through the Nose" to describe a situation where someone has to pay an excessively high price for something. It emphasizes the idea of paying more than what is considered reasonable or fair. For example, if a friend tells you they bought a designer handbag for a very high price, you might say, 'Wow, you really paid through the nose for that!'

• 1. Shopping

  She had her heart set on that dress, so she was willing to pay through the nose to get it.

• 2. Entertainment

  The concert tickets were in high demand, and he had to pay through the nose to secure a seat.

• 3. Technology

  He's a tech enthusiast, so he doesn't mind paying through the nose for the latest gadgets.

Similar phrases to “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)”:

Break the bank

To spend a large amount of money, often more than one can afford

Example

Buying that luxury car would break the bank for me.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive

Example

The hotel room during peak season cost us an arm and a leg.

Burn a hole in one's pocket

To spend money quickly and eagerly

Example

Her new paycheck is burning a hole in her pocket.

Pay top dollar

To pay a high price for something

Example

He paid top dollar for that rare collectible.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Pay Through the Nose" is unknown.

Is “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Pay Through the Nose" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their frustration or surprise at having to pay an exorbitant amount of money for something.

What tone does “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” have?

"Pay Through the Nose" conveys a tone of frustration or disbelief. It's often used to express dissatisfaction with the high cost of something.

Can “Pay Through the Nose (For Something)” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "pay through the nose" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of paying an excessively high price. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business negotiations or discussions about pricing.

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, 'I had to pay through the nose for that car.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I really paid through the nose!' to express frustration about a high price.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• shell out a fortune
• fork over a hefty sum
• spend a small fortune
• pay an arm and a leg
• pay dearly

Antonyms

• get a bargain
• pay a reasonable price
• pay a fair amount
• score a deal
• pay a modest sum