turn (one's) nose up at (someone or something)

turn (one's) nose up at (someone or something)

To reject someone or something with disdain (which can be accompanied by literally putting one's nose in the air). Naturally, my cat keeps turning up his nose up at the expensive food I bought for him.See also: nose, turn, up

turn one's nose up at someone or something

 1. Lit. to raise one's head and therefore one's nose slightly as a sign of rejection. I never turn my nose up at food. I never turn up my nose at dessert, no matter what it is. 2. Fig. to sneer at someone or something; to reject someone or something. John turned his nose up at Ann, and that hurt her feelings. He turned up his nose.See also: nose, turn, up

turn your nose up at something

or

turn up your nose at something

INFORMALCOMMON If you turn your nose up at something or turn up your nose at it, you reject it because you think that it is not good enough for you. Hettie will turn her nose up at my cheap and cheerful high-street clothes. University graduates were turning up their noses at business jobs and trying instead to get into university teaching. Note: You often use this expression to show that you disapprove of the person's behaviour because they are being too proud. See also: nose, something, turn, up

turn your ˈnose up at something

(informal) refuse or reject something because you do not think it is good enough for you: The cat turned up his nose at the food.See also: nose, something, turn, up