Phrase Finder

To black ones nose

Posted by The Kraut May 19, 2000In reply to To black ones nose posted by I Thomas on May 19, 2000

Can anyone help with the origin and meaning of the phrase "to black ones nose"

Many Thanks

Meaning - conjecture only - This sounds like an alternative to the prase "to cut off one's nose to spite one's face" i.e. to hit your own nose so as to make it black (and blue) - to cause physical harm to one's self for no purpose.