Idioms

under someone's nose

(right) under (one's) (very) nose

1. In a place easy to see or find. I've been looking all over for that invitation, and it was right under my nose the whole time! Mom, I found your glasses! They were right under our noses this whole time. I keep my most important documents right under my nose so I remember to update them every day.

2. When one is physically present. I can't believe that one of my employees was falsifying records right under my nose. It seems that some of my students have been copying each other's test answers right under my very nose. I think my cleaning woman stole my bracelet. And I was home on Tuesday too, so she did it under my very nose!

See also: nose

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

under someone's nose

(of an action) committed openly and boldly, but without someone noticing or noticing in time to prevent it. informal

See also: nose

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

What I did on my audition was what we call close-ups, some people call it street magic - you are basically performing right under someone's nose, and that's what I started with.

Now for my next trick... WHAT'S ON EDITOR GORDON BARR CHATS TO BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT RUNNER-UP JAMIE RAVEN AHEAD OF HIS GIG AT THE TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE IN NEWCASTLE

"If anyone attempts to sell them a tortoise they should get in contact with police - it is a sad state of affairs when animals can be stolen from under someone's nose."

Gran is shocked by theft of her tortoises

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