put (somebody's) nose out of joint
Meaning(s)
1. do something to upset or annoy somebody
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
something I said has put his/her nose out of joint
Analysis
To put somebody's nose out of joint means to annoy or bother someone in some way or to insult them. Usually when you 'put somebody's nose out of joint' it means you have offended someone or managed to get something that the other person would have liked. This is an idiom which is used in both professional and social contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I must have said or done something to put Jack's nose out of joint because he's been giving me the silent treatment all day!
- Maria's nose was really put out of joint when I caught the bouquet at the wedding. she really wanted it.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Sarah hasn't been her usual self in the office this week. I think her nose was put out of joint when she was passed over for that promotion.
- If you don't keep management informed of how the negotiations are progressing, you'll just end up putting their noses out of joint.