thumb one's nose

thumb one's nose  {v. phr.}

1. To hold one's open hand in front of one's face with one's thumb pointed at one's nose as a sign of scorn or dislike.

After Bob ran into the house he thumbed his nose at Tom through the window.

2.  {informal}

To look with disfavor or dislike; regard with scorn; refuse to obey. — Used with "at".

Betty thumbed her nose at her mother's command to stay home.

Mary thumbed her nose at convention by wearing odd clothes.

Compare: LOOK DOWN ON.