Meaning

Put your nose out of joint

Categorised in: A list of phrases about parts of the body

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Put your nose out of joint'?

Hurt your feelings or upset your plans.

Two heads are better than one
Two heads are better than one - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Put your nose out of joint’?

This phrase is quite old and was used by Barnaby Rich in His Farewell to Militarie Profession, 1581:

“It could bee no other then his owne manne, that has thrust his nose so farre out of ioynte.”

Historical trend

“Put your nose out of” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1920–2020).

192019401960198020002020
  • Put your nose out of