Phrasal verbs with “Nose” in English

How the Word “Nose” Is Used in English

At first glance, the word “nose” in English seems simple and straightforward. It refers to the part of the face responsible for breathing and smelling. However, “nose” has a much broader application, being used as a noun, a verb, and within numerous idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs.

Grammar and Basic Usage

As a noun, “nose” is used to describe the physical part of the face:

• His nose is small and pointed.

It can also refer to the ability to detect smells:

• Dogs have an excellent nose for scents.

As a verb (“to nose”), it is used metaphorically to describe actions where someone interferes in other people’s business or searches for something:

• She nosed around the room, looking for her keys.

Examples of Usage

• As a noun: He touched his nose when he was nervous.
• As a verb: The cat nosed through the grass, searching for mice.

Besides its literal meaning, “nose” is often used figuratively to describe actions or behaviors. For instance, “to nose around” means to snoop or investigate where one isn’t necessarily welcome.

Interestingly, “nose” frequently appears in phrasal verbs and idioms, where it takes on more vivid meanings. These phrasal verbs are used to describe various types of behavior, ranging from snooping to winning by a narrow margin.

Phrasal Verbs with “Nose” in English

1. Nose around – to snoop or search.
   • He’s always nosing around in other people’s business.
2. Nose out (1) – to sniff out or discover.
   • The reporter managed to nose out the truth behind the scandal.
3. Nose out (2) – to win by a small margin.
   • The team nosed out their rivals in the final seconds of the game.
4. Nose about – to search for something hidden or secret.
   • He’s been nosing about the old files, trying to find some hidden information.

Idioms with “Nose”

In addition to phrasal verbs, “nose” also features in many idiomatic expressions, adding richness and color to the English language.

1. Keep your nose to the grindstone – to work hard without rest.
   • You’ll need to keep your nose to the grindstone if you want to finish the project on time.
2. Follow your nose – to go straight ahead or trust your instincts.
   • Just follow your nose and you’ll find the shop on the right.
3. Pay through the nose – to pay too much for something.
   • We had to pay through the nose to get tickets for the concert.
4. Turn up one’s nose at – to refuse something disdainfully.
   • She turned up her nose at the idea of eating fast food.
5. Poke one’s nose into – to interfere in someone else’s business.
   • Stop poking your nose into my personal matters!
6. Keep your nose clean – to stay out of trouble and follow the rules.
   • If you want to stay out of trouble, you’d better keep your nose clean.
7. Have one’s nose in a book – to be deeply absorbed in reading.
   • She always has her nose in a book; she loves reading.
8. Nose to the grindstone – to work hard without rest.
   • If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you’ll finish the project on time.
9. Look down one’s nose at – to look at someone with disdain.
   • She tends to look down her nose at people who don’t share her opinions.
10. Under someone’s nose – right in front of someone, but unnoticed.
    • The thief stole the wallet under the policeman’s nose.

Phrasal verbs and idioms with “nose” add depth to English conversation. Learning and using them can enhance your fluency and understanding of English, making your speech more dynamic and colorful. By exploring these expressions, you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation of how versatile and expressive the word “nose” can be in various contexts.