under someone’s nose

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under someone’s nose (idiom)
/ˈʌn.dɚ ˈsʌmˌwʌnz noʊz/

Meaning

• boldly in front of somebody.
• to do something openly right in front of someone without drawing attention.
• something happens right in front of someone and they do not notice it.
• in a very obvious or direct way; in someone’s presence but without being detected.
• something happens very close to someone without them knowing.
• in a position very close to someone where they cannot see or know it.

Example Sentences

1. They conducted their secret meetings right under your nose.
2. The thief managed to steal the painting from right under their noses.
3. She hid the surprise party details under my nose, and I never suspected a thing.
4. The solution to the puzzle was under your nose, but you just didn’t see it.
5. The cat took the food from under my nose while I was distracted.
6. The keys were right under your nose the whole time.
7. The missing book was under my nose on the desk the entire time.

Origin and History

The phrase “under someone’s nose” is a commonly used idiom in the English language, signifying something done right in front of someone without their notice. Despite its simplicity, the phrase carries a rich history, embodying multiple theories and interpretations regarding its origin. This article explores these theories, the earliest printed records, and provides a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating expression.

Early Usage and Literal Interpretation

One of the earliest theories suggests that the phrase “under someone’s nose” originated in a literal context. This theory links the phrase to the nose’s proximity to the eyes. Given that the nose is directly beneath the eyes, the expression has metaphorically evolved to indicate that something is right in front of someone’s eyes, yet remains unnoticed. This literal interpretation lays the foundation for the idiomatic usage we are familiar with today.

The Pickpocket Theory

A popular belief about the origin of “under someone’s nose” ties it to the world of pickpockets in 18th and 19th-century England. According to this theory, skilled pickpockets could steal items from victims right under their noses, emphasizing the dexterity and boldness of the thief. The idiom thus came to represent actions done boldly and unnoticed, despite their proximity to the observer.

Theater and Performance Theory

Another theory suggests the phrase might have its roots in the world of theater and performance. Actors performing tricks or sleights of hand often did so “under the noses” of their audience. This theatrical origin underscores the element of deception and skill involved in performing unnoticed actions in plain sight.

Early Printed Records

The earliest printed record of the phrase “under someone’s nose” dates back to the 16th century. The phrase appears in George Turberville’s “Epitaphes, Epigrams, Songs and Sonets” (1567) as follows:

“He, spying this deceit, did never frame
His words to gall, but kept the same
Still close and secret under his nose,
That none might guess which way his fury goes.”

This citation not only highlights the phrase’s historical usage but also its context in literature, indicating that the idiom was already well understood by readers of the time.

Everyday Life and Domestic Origin Theory

Another plausible origin comes from everyday life and domestic settings. In this theory, the phrase evolved from common household scenarios where items were misplaced or overlooked despite being in plain sight. For instance, a person searching for their glasses might find them right under their nose. This everyday usage reflects the idiom’s practical and relatable nature, further cementing its place in common parlance.

Military and Strategic Usage

In military contexts, the idiom “under someone’s nose” has been used to describe actions taken by one party in close proximity to their adversary without being detected. Historical accounts of espionage, covert operations, and surprise attacks often employ this idiom, emphasizing the audacity and cunning required to execute such maneuvers undetected.

Variants

1. right under one’s nose
2. beneath one’s nose
3. under one’s very nose
4. right beneath one’s nose
5. right under their nose
6. under your nose
7. under my nose
8. directly under one’s nose
9. right under your very nose
10. straight under one’s nose

These variants maintain the core meaning while slightly altering the phrasing.

Body, Secret