Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
thumb your nose at someone or something
idiomatic expression
/θʌm jʊər noʊz æt ˈsʌmwʌn ɔr ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
Definition
To show contempt or disregard for someone or something by a dismissive gesture, often associated with the physical act of putting one’s thumb to their nose and wiggling their fingers.
Examples
- When the team won the championship, they thumbed their noses at all the critics who doubted them.
- She decided to thumb her nose at the rules and wore whatever she wanted to the formal event.
- The artist thumbed his nose at traditional styles and created a unique masterpiece.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express a lack of respect or indifference towards authority or accepted norms, essentially teasing or mocking them.
Synonyms
- Disregard
- Defy
- Mock
- Scoff at
- Spit in the face of
