木きで鼻はなをくくる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be blunt; be curt; give a cold reply

Describes a deliberately short, unfriendly, or dismissive manner of speaking, as if tying one's nose with wood—stiff and unyielding. Often used when someone responds coldly or without warmth.

• 彼かれに相そう談だんしたら、木きで鼻はなをくくったような返へん事じしか返かえってこなかった。

  When I consulted him, he only gave me a curt reply, as if he couldn't be bothered.

• あの店てん員いんはいつも木きで鼻はなをくくるような態たい度どで、感かんじが悪わるい。

  That clerk always has a blunt, off-putting attitude.