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Why do we say "Look down your nose"?

Well-Known Expressions

Look down your nose

Meaning:

To be snobbish/superior about something

Background:

Apparently, the first recorded use of this expression in the USA was in the 1920s. However, similar expressions have been in use in other languages (and probably English) long before this date. For example, the equivalent in French is regarder de haut.

More expressions and their source

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Who Said...

He has only half learned the art of reading who has not added to it the more refined art of skipping and skimming

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