What does “Pay through the nose” mean?

"Pay through the nose" means to pay a very high price for something.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

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

Example

He paid through the nose for front-row tickets to the concert.

Example

They're paying through the nose for their extravagant wedding

Is “Pay through the nose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Pay through the 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 “Pay through the nose” effectively in context?

You can use "Pay through the nose" to describe a situation where someone has to pay an exorbitant or excessive amount of money for something. It emphasizes the idea of paying a very high price. For example, if a friend tells you they bought a luxury car, but it cost them a fortune, you might respond, 'Wow, you really paid through the nose for that car!'

1Shopping
She had her heart set on that designer handbag, so she decided to pay through the nose and buy it.
She had her heart set on that designer handbag, so she decided to pay through the nose and buy it.
2Entertainment
He wanted the best experience at the concert, so he was willing to pay through the nose for front-row tickets.
He wanted the best experience at the concert, so he was willing to pay through the nose for front-row tickets.
3Weddings
They wanted a lavish wedding, so they're paying through the nose for all the extravagant decorations and services.
They wanted a lavish wedding, so they're paying through the nose for all the extravagant decorations and services.

Similar phrases to “Pay through the nose”:

Break the bank

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

Example

Buying that luxury car really broke the bank for him.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive

Example

The vacation cost them an arm and a leg, but it was worth it.

Burn a hole in one's pocket

To spend money quickly or wastefully

Example

She received her paycheck and it burned a hole in her pocket, so she went on a shopping spree.

Pay top dollar

To pay a high price for something

Example

He wanted the best quality, so he was willing to pay top dollar for the product.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Pay through the nose” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Pay through the nose" is unknown.

Is “Pay through the nose” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Pay through the nose" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea of paying a high price for something and to emphasize the feeling of being overcharged or ripped off.

What tone does “Pay through the nose” have?

"Pay through the nose" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It's often used when discussing expensive purchases or situations where someone feels they are being taken advantage of financially.

Can “Pay through the nose” 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 a high price for something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional writing.

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, 'He 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 had to "pay through the nose"!' to express frustration about an expensive purchase.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

shell out a fortune
fork over a lot of money
spend a small fortune
pay an arm and a leg
pay dearly

Antonyms

get a bargain
pay a reasonable price
pay a fair amount
save money
get a good deal