look down on

Idioms and Phrases

Also, look down one's nose at . Regard with contempt or condescension, consider oneself superior to. For example, When it comes to baking, Beth is a purist—she looks down on anyone who uses a mix , or Seniors have a way of looking down their noses at juniors . The first expression dates from about 1700, the second from about 1900.

Example Sentences

Archie’s inclination is to look down on everyone else; Laszlo’s first reaction is always curiosity.

From Salon

“People look down on us,” Diaz said.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem isn’t that liberals look down on Trump and regard themselves as superior, since Trump is laughable and most Americans are decent people who are far superior to Trump.

From Salon

The problem is that liberal elites apparently still don’t understand that Trump’s superpower is his ability to “own the libs” who look down on him and his followers.

From Salon

Many people still look down on gulls today.

From Salon