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Region: General | Usage example: Follow your nose when choosing the right partner.

Follow your nose

Meaning

Trust your instincts.

Usage

Used to encourage intuition.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Tracking by scent, especially for dogs.

Hunters and trackers used it long before modern idioms.

Related Idioms

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Work diligently without distraction.

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Display emotions openly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.