nose out of joint

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

nose out of joint (plural noses out of joint)

1. (idiomatic) An emotional state where someone is in a bad mood because he/she has been offended by or taken exception (objected) to some action. This action usually involves being seen in an inferior light to another person.

   I think he got his nose out of joint when they promoted his friend but not him.

See also

• get one's knickers in a twist