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Region: UK | Usage example: We paid through the nose for that last-minute flight.

Pay through the nose

Meaning

Pay a very high price.

Usage

Used when complaining about inflated costs.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The origin is uncertain. A popular story links it to a 'nose tax' in Danish-ruled Ireland, but there is no evidence for it.

First recorded in the 17th century in British English.

Related Idioms

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Work diligently without distraction.

Follow your nose

Trust your instincts.

Jump through hoops

Do complicated or unnecessary tasks to achieve something.

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.