Have your nose in something
verb
To be deeply involved or interested in something to the point of ignoring other things.
John always has his nose in a book, that's why he is so knowledgeable.
Often appears as...
- have your nose in a book
- have your nose in the business
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To be excessively interested or interfere in someone else's business or affairs.
Stop having your nose in my business, it's my life not yours.
Often appears as...
- have your nose in someone's business
- have your nose in someone's affairs
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To be deeply involved or interested in something to the point of ignoring other things.
John always has his nose in a book, that's why he is so knowledgeable.
Often appears as...
- have your nose in a book
- have your nose in the business
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To be excessively interested or interfere in someone else's business or affairs.
Stop having your nose in my business, it's my life not yours.
Often appears as...
- have your nose in someone's business
- have your nose in someone's affairs
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Focused Exclusivity
This phrase implies neglecting surroundings or obligations due to the deep interest in the activity.
He had his nose in his research and forgot to eat.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Often implies a positive view of someone's dedication, especially in academic or intellectual pursuits.
She's going to succeed; she always has her nose in her textbooks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression and doesn't involve an actual nose or physical action.
Alex had his nose in the manual, figuring out the new software.
Pro Tip 1/3Focused Exclusivity
This phrase implies neglecting surroundings or obligations due to the deep interest in the activity.
He had his nose in his research and forgot to eat.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Often implies a positive view of someone's dedication, especially in academic or intellectual pursuits.
She's going to succeed; she always has her nose in her textbooks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression and doesn't involve an actual nose or physical action.
Alex had his nose in the manual, figuring out the new software.
Pro Tip 1/3Focused Exclusivity
This phrase implies neglecting surroundings or obligations due to the deep interest in the activity.
He had his nose in his research and forgot to eat.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Often implies a positive view of someone's dedication, especially in academic or intellectual pursuits.
She's going to succeed; she always has her nose in her textbooks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression and doesn't involve an actual nose or physical action.
Alex had his nose in the manual, figuring out the new software.
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