Would you like to tell someone that they are only going to harm themselves through their actions, or just point out that what they are thinking of doing next is going to be something harmful? The phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is a common figurative expression that might only make sense in some languages. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is a common figurative saying in the English language which implies that someone's actions will harm themselves instead.
Common use of 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is used to point out the self-destructive consequences of someone else's actions when they cannot reason (or admit it) themselves.
The phrase points out that if you do thing A, thing B will happen – and there is implied emphasis that something will backfire.
The phrase is an elaborate way to tell someone not to do something, or that their actions are going to be a negative idea with consequences.
Use of the phrase sometimes has it shortened to 'don't cut off your nose' with the rest of the meaning implied by the rest of what is being said in conversation.
The phrase can be used as a direct reference, or can reference a third-party: 'they're just cutting off their own noses.'
The phrase can also be used as 'cutting off your own nose to spite your face' with the meaning remaining the same.
A similar phrase is 'to shoot yourself in the foot' with the implication being the same: that one's actions will be more harmful to you than to the intended recipient.
Example Usage
“If you go out with his sister just because he dated your best friend's daughter, then you're only cutting off your own nose to spite your face.”
“Are you going to the party or not going to the party? If you stay home to sulk, then you're just cutting off your nose to spite your face.”
“You're cutting off your nose here. At least take a look at the business deal before you say no to something that could have been worth a lot of money.”
“If you can't pay for your own dinner on a vacation that is not all expenses paid, you're cutting off your own nose.”
Origin
The phrase 'don't cut off your own nose to spite your face' is agreed to have originated during the Middle Ages.
According to most language history resources, it was a common form of punishment in the Middle Ages to cut off someone's nose. The reasons given for this are different, and one reason to remove someone's nose was to render them unsightly as a reminder of what they had done.
Over time the phrase lost its literal meaning, and the phrase 'to cut off your own nose' would take on the figurative meaning of self-harm through rash actions.
The phrase 'to cut off someone's nose' thus implies that their behavior is specifically meant to spite someone, but will backfire.
Phrases Similar to Don't Cut Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face
- Don't shoot yourself in the foot
Phrases Opposite to Don't Cut Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face
Ways People May Say Don't Cut Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face Incorrectly
There are several ways in which the phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' can be understood or used in the wrong way.
The phrase does not always translate well to languages that are not English, and a direct translation can often lead to confusion about the meaning of the phrase.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Don't Cut Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face
The correct way to use the phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is to say it as a cautionary statement, either to someone (or about them).