Under one's nose meaning

The meaning of under one's nose is to be very close or nearby but overlooked or unnoticed.


Under one's nose definitions

Word backwards rednu s'eno eson
Part of speech This phrase is a prepositional phrase.
Syllabic division un-der one's nose
Plural The plural of "under one's nose" is "under one's noses."
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) u,e,o
Consonants (4) n,d,r,s

Walking around with something "under one's nose" means that something is right in front of them, yet they are oblivious to it. This idiom refers to a situation where something is so obvious or apparent, but the individual fails to notice or acknowledge it.

Origin of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase "under one's nose" dates back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from English literature, where it was used figuratively to describe something that is easily observable but goes unnoticed due to a lack of attention or awareness.

Example Usage

For example, if someone is searching for their misplaced keys and they are actually on the table right under their nose, it means that the keys were easily visible but overlooked by the person searching for them.

Common Interpretation

Figuratively, having something "under one's nose" can refer to missing out on an opportunity, overlooking a solution, or failing to recognize the truth despite it being right in front of them. It highlights the need for awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to perceive things that are apparent.

In conclusion, the expression "under one's nose" serves as a reminder to pay closer attention to one's surroundings, thoughts, and actions. It emphasizes the importance of being observant and not overlooking things that may be obvious but easily missed. Oblivious and acknowledge are two words that come to mind when reflecting on this idiom, and they underscore the significance of being mindful of what is right in front of us.


Under one's nose Examples

  1. She searched everywhere for her keys, not realizing they were under her nose the whole time.
  2. The solution to the problem was right under their nose, but they couldn't see it.
  3. The book he needed was under his nose, sitting on the desk in front of him.
  4. The clues to the mystery were right under her nose, hidden in plain sight.
  5. The answer was under his nose all along, waiting for him to discover it.
  6. She had been looking for her glasses for hours, only to find them under her nose.
  7. The missing pen was under his nose, right next to the notepad.
  8. The evidence was under their nose, but they failed to notice it until later.
  9. The solution was under their nose the entire time, easily overlooked in the chaos.
  10. He felt like a fool when he realized the answer was under his nose from the start.


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  • Updated 30/03/2024 - 16:40:47