Cock a snook at somebody/something In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "cock a snook at somebody/something", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Mia Le calendar 2021-02-12 11:02

Meaning of Cock a snook at somebody/something

Cock a snook at somebody/something British old-fashioned informal




 

 To say or do something intentionally to show that you have disrespect for someone or something

Tom cocked a snook at his boss over the strategy. ​​​​​​​

He got the ticket because of cocking a snook at the traffic regulations.

She cocks a snook at her teachers by going to school late very often.

Other phrases about:

tug (one's) forelock

To show too much respect to higher class people

fall on (one's) knees

To go down on one or both of one's knees in order to express respect, awe, penitence, subjection or reverence

hold sb in high/low repute
To show a big/small respect for someone
pay tribute to (someone or something)

To praise, admire, or respect someone or something in a public way

hat in hand

In a humble manner, when taking off the hat and the hat in hand that shows a gesture of respect.

Grammar and Usage of Cock a snook at somebody/something

Verb Forms

  • cocks a snook at
  • cocking a snook at
  • cocked a snook at

The verb "cock" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Cock a snook at somebody/something

'cock a snook at' is not a normal phrase and we know very little about its origin. The first time the phrase was recorded is in Wynne's Diary, 1791:C"They cock snooks at one on every occasion."

The Origin Cited: The Phrase Finder - The meaning and origin of the expression: Cock a snook at
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to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

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Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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