English idiom

pay through the nose

Register · Informal CEFR B2

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Figurative meaning

To pay a far higher price for something than it is really worth.

Why this phrase?

Possibly from an old Danish 'nose tax' on the unwilling.

Example

“Tourists near the stadium pay through the nose for a simple bottle of water.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

break the bank

To cost so much that it uses up all your money.

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

bang for your buck

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

live it up

to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual

make ends meet

To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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