Search
Select the dictionary language
to look down one's nose at somebody or something
to look down one's nose at somebody or something
01
to consider a person or thing unimportant and undeserving of respect
![to [look] down {one's} nose at {sb/sth} definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42538/original/?type=jpeg "to [look] down {one's} nose at {sb/sth} definition and meaning")
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "look down one's nose at someone or something" and when to use it?
The idiom "look down one's nose at someone or something" likely originated from the physical action of raising one's nose, which is associated with an arrogant or narcissistic attitude. This expression is used to imply the person exhibiting this behavior believes themselves to be superior to the person or thing they are looking down upon.
Examples
She looked down her nose at anyone who did not go to a famous university.
