look down one's nose at sb

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Meaning of "look down one's nose at sb"

Meaning

The idiom 'look down one's nose at sb' is used to describe someone who behaves in a superior and dismissive manner towards someone else. This phrase is typically used when speaking about a person who has a condescending attitude towards someone else. It can also describe someone who judges or looks down upon someone with disdain and contempt.

Etymology

The phrase 'look down one's nose at sb' has its origins in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin phrase "nasutus nasor" which translates to "pointed nose". This phrase was used to describe someone who had a sharp nose or an aquiline profile. This phrase was then used as an idiom to describe someone who has a haughty and snobbish attitude towards another.

Usage

The phrase 'look down one's nose at sb' is often used in both spoken and written English. It is typically used to describe a person who has a condescending attitude towards someone else. It is often used in social contexts when talking about a person who has a superior attitude or acts in a pretentious manner.

Example Sentences

• He's been looking down his nose at his classmates since he got the promotion.
• John always looks down his nose at people who are less educated than him.
• Martha can't stand it when people look down their nose at her.
• She could always be counted on to look down her nose at anyone who wasn't up to her standards.
• He arrogantly looked down his nose at me when I asked him a question.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.