THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Under your nose
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very close to you or plainly visible, often without being noticed; also used for an event happening nearby without your noticing.
Usage note: keep in mind
Under your nose can describe something very close or obvious that you fail to notice. It can also describe an action occurring nearby without your awareness. Change the possessive to match the person: under my nose, under her nose or under their noses.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The keys were right under your nose the whole time.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The keys were right ________ the whole time.
Show the answer
Under your nose — Very close to you or plainly visible, often without being noticed; also used for an event happening nearby without your noticing.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Under your nose” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very close to you or plainly visible, often without being noticed; also used for an event happening nearby without your noticing.
Compare: The keys were right under your nose the whole time.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- My glasses were under my nose on the desk the whole time.
- The answer was right under our noses in the first paragraph.
Check your understanding
A learner searches a whole page for an answer that appears in the opening sentence. Why might the idiom fit?
Check your answer
The answer was close and readily visible but overlooked. The expression is about noticing, not a precise physical distance.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where under your nose fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.