The idiom "cut off your nose to spite your face" means to do something that seems like a punishment or a revenge, but it actually harms you more than the person you intended to hurt. It means to act in a way that is self-destructive and foolish, just to get back at someone else.
For example, imagine you are angry with your friend and you refuse to attend a party that you were really looking forward to, just because you know your friend will be there. In this case, you are cutting off your nose to spite your face because you are missing out on something you wanted to do, just to avoid seeing your friend.
This idiom is used to warn someone against making a decision that will harm themselves more than the person they are trying to hurt. It is often used to describe situations where someone is so focused on getting revenge or punishing someone else, that they forget about the consequences of their actions.
In summary, "cut off your nose to spite your face" means to act in a way that is self-destructive and foolish, just to get back at someone else. It is a warning against making decisions that will harm yourself more than the person you are trying to hurt.
• You might feel like avoiding your family gathering due to a recent argument, but cutting off your nose to spite your face will only make things worse.
• I know you're frustrated with your team, but cutting off your nose to spite your face by not sharing important information with them will only hurt you in the end.
• I understand you're mad at your ex, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face by refusing to accept the settlement offer.
• Your boss might have angered you, but quitting your job would be cutting off your nose to spite your face.
• Refusing medical treatments because of a past bad experience is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. It might feel good at first, but it could lead to more significant problems later on.
• I know you're angry with your friend, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face by refusing to talk to her again.