look down on

1. Also, look down one's nose at. Regard with contempt or condescension, consider oneself superior to. For example, When it comes to baking, Beth is a purist—she looks down on anyone who uses a mix, or Seniors have a way of looking down their noses at juniors. The first expression dates from about 1700, the second from about 1900.

Example Sentences

The bitter, misogynist audience is there for the provocative visual of the older Kirk looking down on and verbally “owning” supposedly “ruined” women.

From Salon

"I'm sure he's looking down on us right now. Extremely proud and laughing."

From BBC

From his spot in the top row of the risers, Rowlie can look down on the staging area, where the bull riders are getting ready.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a remarkable change in attitudes, given people used to look down on traditional crops as inferior - not realising they were often more resistant to diseases and pests, meaning they can be grown organically.

From BBC

Atkinson looked down on bite until he claimed two late wickets, while Tongue impressed in a fiery first spell and later bounced out Bennett.

From BBC