What does “Thumb your nose at” mean?
"Thumb your nose at" means to show open disrespect or defiance towards someone or something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thumbed his nose at authority and refused to follow the rules.
Example
The rebellious teenager thumbs his nose at societal norms.
Example
She decided to thumb her nose at tradition and forge her own path
Is “Thumb your nose at” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Thumb your nose at” 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 “Thumb your nose at” effectively in context?
You can use "Thumb your nose at" to describe someone openly showing disrespect or defiance towards someone or something. It implies a rebellious or defiant attitude. For example, if someone refuses to follow rules or societal norms, you might say, 'He "thumbed his nose at" authority and refused to follow the rules.'
- 1Defiance
The rebellious teenager thumbs his nose at societal norms.
- 2Rejection of Tradition
She decided to thumb her nose at tradition and forge her own path.
- 3Disrespect
He thumbed his nose at authority and refused to follow the rules.
Similar phrases to “Thumb your nose at”:
To openly disregard or disobey a rule or convention
Example
They flouted the regulations and faced the consequences.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Thumb your nose at” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Thumb your nose at" is unknown.
Is “Thumb your nose at” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Thumb your nose at" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. While it may not be used as frequently as some other idioms, it is still commonly understood and used to convey a sense of defiance or disrespect.
What tone does “Thumb your nose at” have?
"Thumb your nose at" conveys a tone of rebellion and defiance. It is often used to describe someone who openly challenges authority or societal norms.
Can “Thumb your nose at” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "thumb your nose at" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or in situations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts to add emphasis or create a dramatic effect.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He "thumbed his nose at" authority and refused to follow the rules.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "thumb my nose at" tradition!' to express a rebellious attitude.
