pay through the nose, to

pay through the nose

(for something) Go to pay an arm and a leg (for something).
See also: nose, pay, through
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pay through the nose

Pay an excessive amount for something, as in We paid through the nose for that vacation. The origin of this term has been lost. Possibly it alludes to the Danish nose tax, imposed in Ireland in the 9th century, whereby delinquent taxpayers were punished by having their noses slit. [Second half of 1600s]
See also: nose, pay, through
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

pay through the nose

INFORMAL
If you pay through the nose for something, you pay more for it than is fair or reasonable. Some restaurant owners have even noticed that we do not like paying through the nose for our wines when eating out. It looks as though those taking out new insurance policies on their houses will be paying through the nose.
See also: nose, pay, through
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

pay through the nose

pay much more than a fair price. informal
1998 Country Life We pay a lot of money for a fairly ordinary garment in order to advertise a name that is only well-known because we pay through the nose for the huge advertising budget.
See also: nose, pay, through
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

pay through the ˈnose (for something)

(informal) pay a very high price for something: Why pay through the nose for a used car? Come to Smith’s for prices you can afford!
See also: nose, pay, through
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

pay through the nose

Informal
To pay excessively.
See also: nose, pay, through
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

pay through the nose, to

To be charged an enormous price. The origin of this expression has been lost. One writer suggests it may come from the Danish nose tax, imposed in Ireland in the ninth century and so called because delinquent taxpayers were punished by having their noses slit. Another believes it may be connected with the old British slang word rhino, for money or cash. In any event, the term has been used for exorbitant payments since the seventeenth century.
See also: pay, through
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • name for else Go to name after
  • fend for oneself Go to shift for
  • about to do
  • help get a foothold
  • find oneself in the market
  • have eye out
  • remain ahead
  • a little off Go to a bit
  • can't
  • bluh