les doigts dans le nez

French

Etymology

Literally, “[with] the fingers in the nose”. Borrowed from the jargon of horse racing, the expression "les doigts dans le nez" was coined in 1912. This phrase symbolizes the great ease with which the jockey wins his race, to such an extent that instead of paying full attention to it, he innocently takes the time to put his fingers in his nose.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /le dwa dɑ̃ l(ə) ne/

Adverb

les doigts dans le nez

1. (figuratively, informal) hands down, one-handed, standing on one's head, with one hand tied behind one's back (very easily)

   Synonym: les yeux fermés

Descendants

• → Dutch: met de vingers in de neus (calque)