pay through the nose

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

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 Informal · CEFR B1

To be extremely expensive.

break the bank Informal · CEFR B2

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

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

bang for your buck Informal · CEFR B1

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

live it up Informal · CEFR B1

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

make ends meet Neutral · CEFR B1

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.

markdown