phrasal verb · informal
turn one's nose up at
UK/tɜːn wʌnz nəʊz ʌp æt/US/tɜːrn wʌnz noʊz ʌp æt/turn·one's·NOSE·up·at
to show contempt for something; to refuse something because you consider it inferior or unfashionable
Examples
“Many affluent customers turn their noses up at local brands and prefer imports.”
“She turned her nose up at the inexpensive but well-made coat.”
“It’s unhelpful when people turn their noses up at cheaper, sustainable options.”
Band 8 sentence
“Consumers in wealthier districts often turn their noses up at affordable local produce, which can harm small farmers trying to compete.”
Collocations
- turn one's nose up at + noun (e.g. cheap produce)
- turn your nose up at fashion/tradition/offer
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'refuse' when you mean disdain→turn one's nose up at
translate word-by-word as 'turn nose up at' without possessive→turn one's nose up at
Say it for a higher band
5refuse→6reject→7+turn one's nose up at
Synonyms
spurn
look down on
Easily confused
turn one's back on
“After the scandal many supporters turned their backs on the politician.”
reject
“The committee rejected the proposal after reviewing the evidence.”
Related words
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