thumb one's nose

phrase

1
: to express disdain or defiance
thumb their nose at opulence.Sales Management
2
: to place the thumb at one's nose and extend the fingers as a gesture of scorn or defiance

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Cite this Entry

“Thumb one's nose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumb%20one%27s%20nose. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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