4 Answers

Answer:

In Northern Ireland during the ninth century, the British introduced a harsh poll tax of one ounce of gold per year on all Irish households.  Said tax was known as the "Nose Tax" because if a person didn't  or couldn't pay, he had his nose slit.  This cruel but effective procedure gave rise to the expression "paying through the nose," meaning if unreasonable due payments aren't made, there will be dire consequences.

 

robertgrist's one subanswer was right on.

 

 

12 years ago. Rating: 7
Comment this answer Add new comment

http://www.word-detective.com/2008/04/11/pay-through-the-nose-spitting-image-not-to-say/

12 years ago. Rating: 5
Comment this answer Add new comment

I don't know because that would hurt.

12 years ago. Rating: 4
Comment this answer Add new comment

The Internal Revenue Department?

12 years ago. Rating: 4
Comment this answer Add new comment