nose in a book . nose in a book {n. phr.} Busy interest in reading. — Used with a possessive. Mother can't get Mary to help do the housework; she always has her nose in a book. Categories: add yours nose {n. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: N Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss