thumb one's nose

Definitions

1. To place a thumb upon the tip of the nose, typically with the fingers spread and while simultaneously wiggling one's fingers, in a gesture of disrespect.
2. To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“My brother thumbed his nose in reply⟳ to my snide remarks.”

“Richard Feynman delighted in thumbing his nose at the dissidents and workers.”

CEFR level