hold (one's) nose
1. To pinch one's nose between the thumb and finger, so as to avoiding smelling or tasting something. That kale smoothie you made was so gross that I had to hold my nose to drink it! On trash day in the summertime, you practically have to hold your nose when you go outside. Mom immediately realized why we were holding our noses when she stepped outside and got a whiff of that skunk smell.
2. To pinch one's nose between the thumb and finger, so as to keep water from traveling up one's nose. Timmy always holds his nose when he goes swimming. If we're going swimming, I either have to hold my nose or use those goggles that cover your nose. A: "I can't hold my nose and do a handstand on the bottom of the pool! What am I going to do?" B: "Get water up your nose, it sounds like."
3. By extension, to do something in spite of its unpleasant or illicit nature. I don't want to get fired, so I guess I'll just have to hold my nose and do what he asks. Please, we all know you work for the mob—and that you'll continue to hold your nose and do whatever they ask. I just have to hold my nose and work alongside that wretched woman until this project is completed.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
hold one's nose
1. Lit. to use one's fingers to keep one's nose closed to avoid a bad smell or to keep water out. The kid held his nose and jumped off the dock into the lake.
2. Fig. to attempt to ignore something unpleasant, illegal, or "rotten." He hated doing it, but he held his nose and made the announcement everyone dreaded.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.