nose in the air
nose in the air (idiom)
/noʊz ɪn ði ɛr/
Meaning
- Describes someone who behaves as if they are superior to others and chooses not to engage with them.
- Refers to acting in a manner that shows one thinks they are better than other people.
- Indicates a type of unfriendly behavior meant to display one’s perceived superiority over others.
Example Sentences
- Despite his achievements, he never walks around with his nose in the air.
- She passed by with her nose in the air, ignoring everyone.
- He always acts with his nose in the air, as if others are beneath him.
- Even in casual settings, she keeps her nose in the air, distancing herself from others.
- They entered the room with their noses in the air, uninterested in mingling.
Origin and History
Visual Imagery and Social Posture
The idiom “nose in the air” conjures the image of an individual tilting their head back, elevating their nose, symbolizing a sense of superiority or disdain. This posture suggests looking down upon others, both literally and figuratively.
Historical Usage
Expressions involving the concept of holding one’s nose up to indicate superiority or disdain have been documented since the 1570s. The act of turning up one’s nose to show disdain dates back to 1818, with earlier references to holding up one’s nose in the 1570s.
Biblical Reference
An early instance of this expression appears in the Old Testament, Psalms 75:6:
“Don’t flaunt your strength so proudly; don’t speak arrogantly, with your nose in the air.”
This suggests that the association between an elevated nose and arrogance has deep historical roots.
Cultural Interpretations
In various cultures, maintaining a posture with the nose elevated has been linked to social status and etiquette. Such a stance was often adopted by individuals of higher social standing, reinforcing the connection between physical posture and perceived superiority.
Earliest Printed Record
The phrase “nose in the air” is found in the Old Testament, Psalms 75:6: “Don’t flaunt your strength so proudly; don’t speak arrogantly, with your nose in the air.” This suggests that the association between an elevated nose and arrogance has deep historical roots.
Synonyms
- look down one’s nose at
- turn up one’s nose
- stuck-up
- high and mighty
- hoity-toity
Variants
- with one’s nose in the air
- have one’s nose in the air
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