In school,some students thumb their nose at their teacher.

VOA: special.2009.09.13

But, you know, this is not really just another way for Nancy Pelosi or the congressional leadership to thumb their nose at this president.

NPR: Political Roundup: Pelosi in Syria, Iraq Debate

Some authors say their interest was spurred by recent events, such as Texas Gov. Rick Perry's remark in 2009 that "if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people you know, who knows what might come out of that" (Mr. Perry has repeatedly said he doesn't favor secession).

WSJ: In Texas, the Secession Movement Blooms in Fiction