Cut your nose off to spite your face Meaning in English
expression
Definition
If you cut your nose off to spite your face, you do something meant to hurt someone else but actually end up harming yourself more. It's used for situations where anger or pride leads someone to make decisions that cause themselves trouble.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic and somewhat old-fashioned phrase, often used to warn against self-destructive decisions made out of pride or anger. Usually not literal—avoid in very formal writing or with learners unfamiliar with English idioms. Common in spoken advice: 'Don't cut your nose off to spite your face.'
Example Sentences
If you refuse help just because you're angry, you might cut your nose off to spite your face.
basic
He cut his nose off to spite his face by quitting his job before finding a new one.
basic
Don’t cut your nose off to spite your face just because you’re upset.
basic
She stopped talking to her friends after an argument, but it just felt like she was cutting her nose off to spite her face.
natural
You might think you’re punishing them, but if you boycott the event, you’re just cutting your nose off to spite your face.
natural
Quitting the team over a small disagreement is just cutting your nose off to spite your face.
natural