Put someone's nose out of joint
Meaning
To annoy, offend, or upset someone, often by making them feel slighted, envious, or their pride wounded.
Origin
The phrase springs from the literal, uncomfortable experience of having one's nose dislocated, or 'out of joint.' While not a true joint in the anatomical sense, the idiom paints a vivid picture of something painfully wrenched from its proper place. By the 19th century, this graphic image had metaphorically shifted to describe causing offense or annoyance, especially when someone feels slighted, overlooked, or their pride suddenly bruised. It perfectly captures the jarring discomfort of a physical misalignment and applies it to the sharp sting of a social slight or wounded ego.
Examples
- Winning the prestigious award certainly put Sarah's rival's nose out of joint.
- John's sarcastic remark completely put his colleague's nose out of joint, leading to an awkward silence.