2025-04-19
flashphrase
Having "a nose full" expresses frustration and being thoroughly fed up with a situation or person.
The vivid imagery likely refers to unpleasant smells filling one's nose until it becomes unbearable. Records show this expression has been part of colloquial German since at least the 18th century. Curiously, the phrase has parallels in other European languages (like the English "fed up"), suggesting a common experiential origin. It's one of the most universally recognized German idioms across all regions and social classes.
🇩🇪 – Nach drei Stunden im Stau hatte ich die Nase voll und nahm die nächste Ausfahrt. 🇬🇧 – After three hours in traffic, I was fed up and took the next exit.