What does “Under your nose” mean?
"Under your nose" means that something is right in front of you, easily noticeable or visible.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The keys were under your nose the whole time.
Example
You missed the clue that was under your nose.
Example
The answer was under your nose the entire time
Is “Under your nose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Under 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 “Under your nose” effectively in context?
You can use "Under your nose" to describe something that is right in front of you, easily noticeable or visible. It implies that the thing or information was so obvious that it should have been noticed or discovered without much effort. For example, if someone is searching for their keys and they were on the table the whole time, you could say, 'The keys were "under your nose" the whole time.'
- 1Searching for something
She spent hours looking for her phone, only to realize it was under her nose the whole time.
- 2Missing an obvious clue
He couldn't solve the puzzle because he missed the clue that was under his nose.
- 3Overlooking a solution
They struggled to find the answer, not realizing it was under their nose the entire time.
Similar phrases to “Under your nose”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Under your nose” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Under your nose" is unknown.
Is “Under your nose” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Under your nose" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express surprise or frustration when something obvious or easily noticeable goes unnoticed or overlooked.
What tone does “Under your nose” have?
"Under your nose" conveys a tone of surprise or frustration. It's often used to point out the obviousness of something that should have been noticed or discovered earlier.
Can “Under your nose” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Under your nose" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of something being easily noticeable or visible. 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, 'The solution was right "under their nose".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It was "under your nose"!' to imply that something obvious was overlooked.
