How do you use "Pay Through the Nose" in a sentence?

You'll pay through the nose for parking here. We paid through the nose for the hotel. Don't pay through the nose—shop around. They make you pay through the nose.

Pay Through the Nose

Q: What does "Pay Through the Nose" mean?

To pay an excessive amount To pay far more than something is worth. Vivid expression for being overcharged or paying exorbitant prices.

Slang Term BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Casual

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Meaning: To pay an excessive amount

付出过高的价格

Pagar una cantidad excesiva

法外な値段を払う

터무니없이 비싼 값을 치르다

To pay far more than something is worth. Vivid expression for being overcharged or paying exorbitant prices.

付出远超实际价值的钱。生动的表达，形容被多收钱或支付过高的价格。

Pagar mucho más de lo que algo vale. Expresión vívida para ser estafado o pagar precios exorbitantes.

何かの価値よりはるかに多く払うこと。ぼられたり法外な価格を払うことを表す生き生きした表現。

물건의 가치보다 훨씬 많은 금액을 지불한다는 뜻. 바가지를 쓰거나 터무니없는 가격을 지불하는 것을 생생하게 표현한다.

Literal meaning: Pay via the nose (nonsensical).

Examples

You'll pay through the nose for parking here.
在这里停车你会被狠宰的。
Pagarás un dineral por aparcar aquí.
ここの駐車場は高くつくよ。
여기 주차비가 엄청 비싸.
We paid through the nose for the hotel.
我们住酒店花了一大笔钱。
Pagamos un dineral por el hotel.
ホテルにすごくお金がかかった。
호텔에 엄청난 돈을 썼어.
Don't pay through the nose—shop around.
别花冤枉钱——多比较一下。
No pagues de más—compara precios.
ぼったくられないで——比較して。
바가지 쓰지 마—비교해봐.
They make you pay through the nose.
他们让你花很多冤枉钱。
Te hacen pagar un ojo de la cara.
彼らはぼったくるよ。
그들은 바가지를 씌워.

Pronunciation

/peɪ θruː ðə nəʊz/

Usage Guide

Context: complaints, prices, warnings

Tone: complaining, warning

✓ Do Say

Pay through the nose.
花冤枉钱
Pagar un dineral
法外な値段を払う
터무니없이 비싼 값을 치르다.
Paying through the nose.
被狠宰
Pagando de más
高くつく
바가지를 쓰고 있다.
Made to pay through the nose.
被迫花冤枉钱
Obligado a pagar de más
ぼられる
바가지를 쓰게 되다.

✗ Don't Say

Always negative—excessive payment
总是负面的——过度支付
Siempre negativo—pago excesivo
常に否定的——過剰な支払い
항상 부정적—과도한 지출
Used for complaints
用于抱怨
Usado para quejas
不満を表すのに使う
불만을 표현할 때 사용

Common Mistakes

Always about excessive prices
Never positive usage

Origin & History

Origin uncertain—possibly from Norse 'nose tax' (poll tax), or from the vivid discomfort of paying through an unusual orifice. Used since 17th century.

Etymology: Possibly from Norse taxation or vivid imagery

First recorded: English usage from 17th century

Cultural Context

Era: 17th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Consumer complaint contexts; Travel and tourism warnings

Regional notes: Universal across English-speaking countries.

Variations

Pay through the nosePaying through the nosePaid through the nose