put somebody's nose out of joint

put (one's) nose out of joint

To upset or irritate one, usually through actions or words. Well, something put my mother's nose out of joint—what exactly did you say to her?

See also: joint, nose, of, out, put

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

put somebody’s ˈnose out of joint

(informal) upset or annoy somebody, especially by not giving them enough attention: The new teacher speaks much better German than he does. That’s going to put his nose out of joint.

If a bone is out of joint, it is pushed out of its correct position.

See also: joint, nose, of, out, put

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