thumb one's nose
Openly disrespect authority
To thumb one's nose is to show contempt or defiance, originally by placing the thumb on the nose and spreading the fingers—a childish taunt.
The gesture has faded, but the expression remains: She thumbed her nose at convention and wore jeans to the gala.
The target is usually authority, tradition, or expectation.
Contemptuous mocking treatment
- tauntInsulting provocation
- jeerVocal expression of scorn
- scoffMock with disdain
- derisionContemptuous mockery
sneer · tease · jibe · gibe · snicker · razz · heckling · teasing
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
opposition · noncompliance · dissent · recalcitrance · obstinacy · willfulness · contrariness · mutiny
Hostile dismissive feeling
- disdainScornful disregard
- disrespectLack of regard
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
- condescensionDemeaning air of superiority
haughtiness · superciliousness · sneering · belittling · dismissiveness · arrogance · slight · insult
ridicule
Contemptuous mocking treatment
derision · sneer · tease · jibe · gibe · snicker · razz · heckling · teasing · mocking
rebellion
Defiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
protest · opposition · noncompliance · dissent · recalcitrance · obstinacy · willfulness · contrariness · mutiny · challenge
scorn
Hostile dismissive feeling
- disdainScornful disregard
- disrespectLack of regard
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
condescension · haughtiness · superciliousness · sneering · belittling · dismissiveness · arrogance · slight · insult · affront
thumb one's noseshow respect
Demonstrate esteem for another
pay tribute · honor · revere · venerate · kowtow
thumb one's nosefall in line
Comply with expectations
toe the line · conform · obey · acquiesce · knuckle under
thumb, nose, thumbs, thumbed, thumbing, noses, nosed, nosing