(poke/stick) your nose (in/into)
Meaning(s)
1. become involved or interfere in something that does not concern you
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
don't stick your nose into my business
Analysis
If you 'stick your nose into something' or 'poke your nose into' something it means to become involved in something that is not your business or your responsibility. Usually when you 'stick your nose into something' you are behaving in an intrusive way or being nosey. Sometimes people 'stick their noses into' things in order to find out information or to discover something that they don't know. This is a casual idiomatic expression with a negative connotation.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I don't want your advice on how to deal with the situation so please don't stick your nose into my business!
- I'd advise you not to stick your nose in where it doesn't belong.
- My neighbours are always sticking their nose into our business. I wish they would stay out of our lives.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- What goes on in this department is none of Gary's business, so I wish he'd stop poking his nose in!
- I wasn't happy about the tax audit because I didn't want an outside party sticking their nose into my affairs.
- Could anyone poke their nose in and see if they can get any information on what the competition is up to?