Etymology Journal ยท D
Don't get your nose out of joint
Meaning
- Do not be offended or resentful because you did not get your way. It refers to someone sulking or acting grumpy after a perceived slight.
Casual, slightly biting
Used in a sentence
- I know I picked the movie this time, so do not get your nose out of joint.
- He got his nose out of joint because he wasn't invited to the meeting.
- Try not to get your nose out of joint over a little constructive criticism.
The backstory
This idiom dates back to the 1800s. It implies that being offended is akin to suffering a physical injury, like a dislocated nose, making you look and act miserable.
Heard in
Nationwide
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