鼻はなを明あかす

expression, godan verb (-su)

outwit; get the better of; leave dumbfounded

Idiomatic expression meaning to outsmart someone, often by doing something unexpected that leaves them speechless or embarrassed. The literal image is 'exposing someone's nose', but it is used figuratively.

• 彼かれはライバルを鼻はなを明あかすような作さく戦せんを考かんがえた。

  He came up with a strategy to outwit his rival.

• 新しん人じんの活かつ躍やくでベテランは鼻はなを明あかされた。

  The veteran was left dumbfounded by the newcomer's performance.