Pay through the nose

Origin: The idiom "Pay through the nose" is believed to have originated in Ireland during the 9th century when the Danish imposed a hefty nose tax on the Irish. If someone failed to pay, their noses were slit as punishment. This brutal practice led to the expression, symbolizing exorbitant payments or extortionate prices. While the exact historical accuracy of this origin is debated, the idiom firmly took hold in the English language by the 17th century, signifying the act of paying excessively or being overcharged.

Examples

• When I saw the bill for the car repairs, I realized I had to pay through the nose for something that should have cost half as much.
• They paid through the nose to get front-row seats at the concert, but they felt it was worth it for the experience.
• He had to pay through the nose for the last-minute flight tickets because he had no other choice.
• Despite the high price, she paid through the nose for the designer handbag she had been dreaming of for years.
• The tourists ended up paying through the nose for a simple meal because they didn't check the prices beforehand.
• During the holiday season, you often have to pay through the nose for popular toys and gadgets due to high demand.
• She paid through the nose for expedited shipping to ensure the package arrived before Christmas.
• To get the permits on time, the construction company had to pay through the nose to expedite the process.
• He didn't mind paying through the nose for the VIP experience at the theme park, as it made the day unforgettable for his family.
• They paid through the nose for the vintage wine at the auction, but it was a rare find they couldn't pass up.