Nose out of joint?: Idiom explained

Today it’s all about the nose. Nose-based idiom on the English Club ‘idiom of the day’ post and a ‘The nose knows’ video that popped into my email. The latter went on to explain the correlation between the physical nose and its spiritual knowing. Naturally, it was through breathing exercises (through the nose of course) that you could cure all health complaints and reclaim your worth.

Not at all like the idiom – having your nose out of joint. This idiom, meaning to be upset or offended, has an interesting history dating back to the 16th century.

Set in bone

The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the practice of setting broken bones. In the past, when someone dislocated a joint, the nose was often used as a reference point to help reset the bone. If someone’s nose was out of joint, it meant they were in pain and discomfort. Over time, the idiom evolved to represent someone feeling offended or slighted.

Thank the Bard

The first recorded usage of the phrase can be found in William Shakespeare’s play, “Henry IV, Part I,” written in 1597. In Act 1, Scene 3, the character Hotspur says, “My villain, where’s my money?” to which Falstaff replies, “Out of my purse, duck, or I’ll tickle you disconnectedly! You handled your villainy with such contempt that it made the upper part of your body unjointed. You are the one who got my nose out of joint, ignoring me so long.”

Today, the idiom “nose out of joint” is commonly used in conversation to describe someone who is put out, jealous, or upset. For example, if a coworker gets a promotion instead of you, you might feel like your nose is out of joint.

If you call someone to help you while they are in the middle of something, they might feel that their nose is out of joint.

Zuma gone

And I am pretty certain that our one-time president Jacob Zuma has his nose out of joint due to his expulsion from the ANC party (perhaps more than just his nose).

Other ‘nose’ idioms affirm the importance of this facial organ. You can smell a rat when something does not feel right or nose your way through a problem when you don’t have all the answers.

For today though, claim your worth because your nose (knows) who you are and don’t let anyone get your nose out of joint!

Gotta love Shakespeare: origin of idioms

Not my circus, not my monkeys. Idiom usage

On the shoulders of giants: idiom usage

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