IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishpay through the nose
Meaning: To pay a great amount; to pay too much.
Example: “We paid through the nose for last-minute flights.”
Equivalents in other languages
Korean: 바가지를 쓰다 (bagajireul sseuda) Literally: To wear a gourd
Origin: Recorded from the 17th century, with an uncertain origin. A popular story blames a Danish "nose tax" in 9th-century Ireland, where those who did not pay supposedly had their noses slit, but there is no good evidence. Another theory links it to 17th-century slang "rhino" for money, from the Greek word for nose.
More English idioms
- put one's money where one's mouth is To back up one's words with money or action.
- rack one's brain To search through one's mind intensively; to try very hard to think of something.
- rule of thumb A rough guide; an unwritten or customary rule based on experience or practice.
- save face To avoid humiliation and keep one's dignity or reputation.
- see eye to eye To agree.
- set someone's teeth on edge To irritate.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
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