Definition & Meaning of "Look down nose at"

look down one's nose at sb/sth

/lˈʊk dˌaʊn wˈɒnz nˈəʊz at ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/lˈʊk dˌaʊn wˈʌnz nˈoʊz æt ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

to look down one's nose at sb/sth

PHRASE

to consider a person or thing unimportant and undeserving of respect

to [look] down {one's} nose at {sb/sth} definition and meaning

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.