|
Definition |
pay an excessive amount of money |
Examples |
1) Tom had to pay through the nose
for that luxury sports car he bought last week.
2) I can't believe how much they charged me for that tiny bottle of
water at the concert. I really paid through the
nose! |
Etymology |
It is believed to have originated in
Ireland in the 18th century, where the Danes would slit the noses of
those who failed to pay their exorbitant taxes. |
Synonyms |
shell out a fortune, fork over an arm and a
leg |