The idiom "leads by nose" refers to someone controlling or dominating another person through their superior intellect or power. The word "leads" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /lidz/, with a voiced consonant "d" sound and a long "ee" vowel sound. "By" is spelled with the transcription /baɪ/, with a shorter "ah" sound and a rising "i" sound. "Nose" is spelled with the transcription /noʊz/, with a long "o" vowel sound and a voiced "z" consonant sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /lidz baɪ noʊz/.
The phrase "leads by nose" refers to a situation in which someone is easily manipulated, controlled, or influenced by another person. It implies that the individual being led has no independent thinking or decision-making capabilities, and simply follows the guidance or direction of someone else without question or resistance.
This expression draws an analogy to an image of leading a person by their nose or nostrils, which would imply a strong physical control by the leader over the follower. It conveys a sense of being submissive, easily swayed, or dominated in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, decision-making processes, or professional situations.
When someone is said to be led by nose, it often suggests a lack of assertiveness or critical thinking skills, as they seem unable to form their own opinions or make independent choices. Instead, they rely heavily on others for guidance and direction, unquestionably following the path set by their leader. This phrase can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is easily manipulated or influenced by others and does not possess the ability to think for themselves.
In summary, "leads by nose" refers to an individual who is easily controlled or influenced by others, lacking independence or the ability to think critically and make decisions autonomously.