pay through the nose

pay through the nose

1. (idiomatic) To pay an exorbitant or excessive amount, either in money or in some other manner.
   • 1918, Peter B. Kyne, The Valley of the Giants, ch. 36:

     "You'll pay through the nose for this, you scoundrel," Sexton whimpered. "I'll fix you, you traitor."

   • 1921, John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga, part 2, ch. 4:

     That fellow would milk the settlements somehow, and make his family pay through the nose to keep him out of bankruptcy.

• cost an arm and a leg