stick your nose in

/stɪk jɜːr noʊz ɪn/

idiom★Intermediate◆idiom

◆ What It Really Means

To interfere in someone else's affairs without being invited or asked.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically insert one's nose into something.

Literal Breakdown

stickto insert or place something firmly+your nosethe part of the face used for smelling+ininto a space or situation

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of someone physically intruding into a space, symbolizing unwanted interference.

◈ When to Use

A coworker keeps giving unsolicited advice on your project, and you say, 'Stop sticking your nose in my work!'

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects cultural values of personal boundaries and respect for privacy in English-speaking societies.

informal

To involve oneself in someone else's affairs without being invited or asked.

My neighbor keeps sticking his nose in my garden plans.

My neighbor keeps interfering with my garden plans without my permission.

Stop sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong!

Stop interfering in matters that are none of your concern!

💡

This idiom is often used to express disapproval of someone's intrusive behavior.

Synonyms

poke your nose inidiom

to interfere in someone else's affairs

mind your own businessphrase

to refrain from interfering in others' affairs

This idiom is typically used in informal settings to express disapproval of someone's intrusive behavior.

Use this idiom sparingly to avoid sounding overly critical or confrontational.

The phrase likely originates from the idea of physically intruding into someone's space, symbolizing unwanted interference.

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to criticize someone for being nosy or intrusive.

English Dictionary