Jun 11, 2021

Idiom: Have (One’s) Nose Out of Joint



Here's an idiom for when someone's irritated.


Idiom: have (one’s) nose out of joint

Definition


To be angry, irritated, or upset. Also: put (someone’s) nose out of joint. Out of joint means "to be out of position or dislocated," as in “He put his hip out of joint.”


Examples


→ Mark has had his nose out of joint ever since Sarah became his manager.

→ The customer’s remarks really put my nose out of joint.


Notes


This idiom probably refers to expressions people make when they feel angry or irritated. An early form of this idiom, thrust (one’s) nose out of joint, was recorded in 1581.


Level


The idiom have (one’s) nose out of joint is intermediate- to advanced-level vocabulary. The phrase is informal and colloquial.


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