🍃 Follow Your Nose
Definition:
To go straight ahead, without deviating from the path.
Origin:
This expression has been in use since at least the fifteenth century. For instance, John Stanbridge used “Right forth on thy nose. Recta via encode” in 1510. In the nineteenth century, “Follow your nose” became a rather curt way to give directions.
Similar Terms:
- Go straight ahead
- Stay on course
- Keep to the straight and narrow
- On the right track
Synonyms:
- Proceed directly
- Head straight
- Walk straight
Antonyms:
- Go astray
- Wander off
- Deviate
Usage and Examples:
- When asked for directions, the old man just said, “Follow your nose.”
- Nowadays, saying “follow your nose” has a humorous and somewhat nostalgic touch.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I told the fellow to follow his nose; hope he had a sense of direction.” - Gusty Pathwalker
- “Follow your nose, unless you’ve had too many whiffs of adventure.” - Anony-Mouse
Related Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Stay the course” - To continue with a process, effort, etc., despite difficulties.
- “On the straight and narrow” - Maintaining a lawful and morally appropriate way of living.
References:
- Straight and Narrow, by Poul Anderson
- North by Northwest (1959) - A classic movie where going straight ahead might lead you right into adventure, or trouble.
Key Concept:
Heading directly towards a goal, the phrase emphasizes simplicity and clarity of action, which is often useful, though occasionally limited in creative or complex situations.
Inspirational Farewell: “While the world winds and weaves with myriad paths, sometimes the simplest choice is to follow your nose. Even in a land of winding roads, may your direction always be clear, and your intentions steadfast. Keep it straight and true!”
### Which of these means to proceed directly ahead?
- [x] Follow your nose
- [ ] Twiddle your thumbs
- [ ] Jump the gun
- [ ] Hit the hay
> **Explanation:** "Follow your nose" means to go straight ahead. The other phrases either mean to be idle or act too soon, or go to bed.
### Which saying is meant to provide directions?
- [x] Follow your nose
- [ ] Rock the boat
- [ ] Play it by ear
- [ ] Spill the beans
> **Explanation:** "Follow your nose" is a simple, quirky way to tell someone to go straight ahead. The others suggest causing trouble, improvising, or revealing a secret.
### True or False: 'Follow your nose' historically means to go straight.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Historically, "follow your nose" has meant to keep going straight, as highlighted in texts dating back to the fifteenth century.
