Francophonie· medium

la moutarde me monte au nez

the mustard is rising to my nose

Meaning

I'm getting angry

Explanation

This expression means to lose one's temper or become increasingly frustrated.

Example

Après ses commentaires répétés, la moutarde m'est montée au nez.

After his repeated comments, I lost my temper.

Origin

From the 17th century (originally 'la moutarde me/lui entre au nez'). Based on the sharp, irritating sensation of mustard hitting your nose, compared to the physical heat that rises with anger.

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