pay through the nose
pay through the nose (idiom)
/peɪ θruː ðə noʊz/
Meaning
- Paying an excessive or exorbitant amount for something.
- Being charged more than a fair or reasonable price.
- Spending an unreasonably high amount of money on a purchase.
- Incurring a significantly inflated expense for goods or services.
- Facing an obligation to disburse an inordinate sum for an item.
Example Sentences
- They had to pay through the nose for last-minute concert tickets.
- Tourists often pay through the nose for basic amenities in that city.
- She paid through the nose to get her car repaired at that garage.
- Consumers pay through the nose for imported luxury goods.
- He paid through the nose for a rare vintage wine at the auction.
Origin and History
One prevalent theory suggests that the phrase originated in 9th-century Ireland during the Danish invasion. The Danes allegedly imposed a “nose tax” on the Irish, wherein those who failed to pay had their noses slit as punishment. This brutal method of tax enforcement is believed by some to have led to the expression “pay through the nose,” symbolizing exorbitant payments or severe penalties for non-compliance. However, solid historical evidence to support this theory is lacking, and its accuracy is debated among scholars.
Nasal Surgery Cost Theory
Another theory connects the phrase to the high cost of nasal surgeries. This perspective posits that the idiom arose from the expensive nature of such medical procedures. However, this explanation seems unlikely, given that the idiom predates the era of cosmetic surgery as we know it.
Rhino’ Slang for Money
An intriguing linguistic theory revolves around the word “rhino,” which was 17th-century slang for money. The term “rhino” derives from the Greek word for nose. This connection suggests that “paying through the nose” could metaphorically relate to paying with one’s “rhino” (money). While this theory offers a clever linguistic link, definitive proof remains elusive.
Nautical Term Hypothesis
According to American etymologist Anatoly Liberman, the phrase might have nautical origins. He proposes that “paying through the nose” could draw an analogy between paying a large sum of money and paying out an anchor’s cable or chain through the hawseholes at the bow (metaphorically the “nose”) of a ship. This perspective, however, is not widely accepted, and other explanations have been deemed unconvincing.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The phrase “pay through the nose” dates back to the 17th century. One of the earliest recorded instances is found in Giovanni Torriano’s 1666 work, Piazza Universale, where he wrote:
“Oft-times rich men engrossing commodities, will make one pay through the nose, whereas they might sell the cheaper.”
This citation indicates that the idiom was in use during that period to describe situations where individuals were compelled to pay excessively for goods or services.
Despite the various theories regarding its origin, the exact etymology of “pay through the nose” remains uncertain. The phrase has been used since at least the 17th century to denote paying an exorbitant or unreasonable price for something. While the Danish nose tax theory is popular, it lacks concrete historical evidence. Similarly, other theories, such as the connection to “rhino” as slang for money or nautical terminology, offer intriguing possibilities but remain unproven. The enduring use of the idiom highlights the rich tapestry of the English language and its capacity for colorful expressions.
Synonyms
- pay an arm and a leg
- fork over a fortune
- shell out big bucks
- cough up a hefty sum
- pay top dollar
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