Meaning & use

turned up nose

phrase·Advancedfigurative

Last updated

UK/ˌtɜːnd ʌp ˈnəʊz/
US/ˌtɝːnd ʌp ˈnoʊz/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrasefigurative

    a facial expression showing dislike or a feeling of superiority

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: She looked at the food with a turned up nose.

    Patterns

    • with a turned up nose
    • a turned up nose

    She looked at the cheap wine with a turned up nose.

    He has a turned up nose about anything that isn't designer.

  2. phraseidiomfigurative

    the act of showing that you think something is not good enough

    Grammar: Often part of 'turn up your nose at something'.

    Patterns

    • turn up your nose at something

    Don't turn up your nose at a free meal.

    She turned up her nose at the idea of camping.

Common combinations

turn up your nose at
He turned up his nose at the job offer because the salary was low.
with a turned up nose
She examined the painting with a turned up nose.
a turned up nose
The child had a turned up nose and freckles.

Synonyms and how they differ

snub
A verb meaning to reject someone rudely; 'turn up your nose' is more about showing disdain.
disdain
A noun for a feeling that something is unworthy; it doesn't describe the facial expression.

Commonly confused: turned up nose or turned-up nose?

turned up nose vs turned-up nose

This can also literally mean a nose that points upward, without any idea of dislike.

Practice

She ___ up her nose at the second-hand clothes.

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