# look down one's nose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/look-down-ones-nose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To regard as inferior or distasteful; to hold in contempt.

## Examples

- Don't look down your nose at people who work hard.
- Some people look down their nose at fast food, but I think it tastes great.
- Even though he had no formal education, he refused to look down his nose at those who lacked the academic credentials he had spent years acquiring.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.