Остаться с носом (Ostat'sya s nosom)

Meaning: To be left empty-handed or outwitted.

Language: Russian

Literally: To be left with the nose

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: Here 'nos' meant a bribe-offering that was refused, leaving the suitor still holding it, rejected and foolish.

More idioms — Body & Senses

• Делать ноги (Delat' nogi) — To run away quickly.
• Заговаривать зубы (Zagovarivat' zuby) — To distract someone with smooth, evasive talk.
• 二階から目薬 (Nikai kara megusuri) — A roundabout effort that has no real effect.
• 喉から手が出る (Nodo kara te ga deru) — To want something so badly you can hardly bear it.
• Μου έφυγε το καφάσι — I was utterly shocked.
• Att ha tummen mitt i handen — To be hopelessly clumsy; all thumbs.

More Russian idioms

• Как сельдь в бочке (Kak sel'd' v bochke) — Packed together very tightly.
• Вешать всех собак (Veshat' vsekh sobak) — To blame someone for everything.
• Седьмая вода на киселе (Sed'maya voda na kisele) — A very distant relative.
• Положить зубы на полку (Polozhit' zuby na polku) — To go hungry; to tighten your belt.
• Считать ворон (Schitat' voron) — To idle and let chances slip by.
• Гол как сокол (Gol kak sokol) — Dirt poor; without a thing to your name.

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