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What does the phrase follow your nose mean?

Updated: 8/18/2019
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12y ago

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This phrase originated when science was not so sophisticated as today and used much by pioneers as well as seafarers in the 1700s. The belief was, and is supported by some modern research, that your nose knows which way is north; seems there is something in the nose that detects magnetic north. If your nose has been broken it doesn't work right. As a child I could always point north no matter where I was. After my nose was broken I couldn't. So, follow your nose isn't related to gut instinct, intuition but to direction. With so much electromagnetic and RF interference today it may be difficult to test. But take your children to the country and ask them to point north.

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