What Does “pay through the nose” mean?
Definition:
If you pay through the nose for something, you pay a lot of money for it. The price you pay is more than is reasonable.
A related idiom:
Origin
The origin of this expression is unclear. One hypothesis is that this phrase is linked to tax payment. In the ninth century, the Danes conquered Ireland and imposed a tax called “Nose Tax.” Excessive taxes were imposed on each “nose”. Accordingly, one had to pay through the nose. If someone failed to pay his nose tax, it was said that they had their noses slit in punishment.
Example(s)
If you want to buy that leather jacket, you will have to pay through the nose.
She paid through the nose for her new car.
He paid through the nose to get his computer fixed.
This idiom is in the money category.