To black ones nose

Posted by The Kraut on May 19, 2000

In Reply to: To black ones nose posted by I Thomas on May 19, 2000

: Can anyone help with the origin and meaning of the phrase "to black ones nose"

: Many Thanks
Meaning - conjecture only - This sounds like an alternative to the prase "to cut off one's nose to spite one's face" i.e. to hit your own nose so as to make it black (and blue) - to cause physical harm to one's self for no purpose.