give (one) a bloody nose

give (one) a bloody nose

1. Literally, to cause someone's nose to bleed, especially by striking them. Johnny was expelled after he gave one of the boys in class a bloody nose. The dry air in Colorado always gives me a bloody nose when I come to visit.
2. To inflict damage or defeat on someone during a conflict or competition. Everyone agreed that the political newcomer gave the congressman a bloody nose during their first televised debate.
See also: bloody, give, nose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • get a bloody nose
  • take (something) on the nose
  • take it on the nose
  • turn (one's) nose up at (someone or something)
  • turn nose up at
  • turn your nose up at something
  • nose candy
  • nose job
  • the nose knows
  • blow (one's) nose