英語イディオムで伝わる態度のちがい｜turn your nose up at などの使い方
English often uses idioms to show attitude or feelings.
Instead of saying “I don’t like it,” English speakers often use idioms (expressions that can be easily imagined).
These idioms are common in conversation.
But their tone is not always obvious to learners.
Let’s look at some common idioms that show attitude, what they mean, and how strong they sound.
1. Turn Your Nose Up at
Meaning:
To reject something because you think it is not good enough.
This idiom shows judgment, not just dislike.
Examples:
He turned his nose up at the cheap wine.
She turned her nose up at my suggestion.
Tone:
Strong
Judgmental
Can sound rude if used about people
Important note:
This idiom often suggests that someone feels “above” or “better than” something.
Because of this, it is better to understand it than to use it. Or to use it as a recommendation: “Don’t turn your nose up at her idea, I think it’s really good!”
2. Look Down On
Meaning:
To think someone or something is inferior (worse than something else).
This is a very strong idiom.
Examples:
He looks down on people who do not have degrees.
She felt he was looking down on her job.
Tone:
Very negative
Critical
Often hurts relationships
This idiom is common in reading and listening.
But it is usually too strong for polite conversation.
3. Not Be Keen On
Meaning:
To mildly dislike something. You don’t like it, but only a little bit.
Examples:
I’m not keen on spicy food.
She’s not keen on the new system.
Tone:
Soft
Polite
Common in British English
This is a safe and natural way to express dislike.
4. Be Picky About
Meaning:
To have strong preferences or high standards of what you will accept.
Examples:
He’s picky about coffee. (he only drinks expensive coffee, brewed fresh)
She’s very picky about details. (she might spend a long time deciding the perfect kind of light blue colour)
Tone:
Neutral
Sometimes slightly negative
Often descriptive, not emotional
This idiom describes behaviour, not attitude toward people.
5. Cultural Note: Idioms and Hidden Meaning
English often hides attitude inside idioms.
Learners may understand the words, but miss the feeling behind them.
For example:
“I didn’t like it.”
This is clear and neutral.
“He turned his nose up at it.”
This adds judgment and distance.
Understanding this difference helps you choose safer language.
Practice
Choose the best option for each situation.
You are speaking in a work meeting.
A. I turn my nose up at this idea.
B. I’m not keen on this idea.
C. I look down on this idea.
You are describing someone’s behaviour.
A. He is picky about food.
B. He looks down on food.
C. He is not keen on food.
You are reading a story and want to understand the tone.
“She felt he was looking down on her.”
This means he felt:
A. confused about her
B. better than her
C. interested in her
Conclusion
Idioms often show attitude, not just meaning.
Some idioms are polite.
Some are strong.
Some are better for understanding than for speaking.
Learning the tone of idioms will help you sound more natural and avoid misunderstandings.
Answer Key
B
A
B