UK English Phrase - cock a snook

While doing research on my global security blog, I happened upon a humorous phrase used by a British columnist: Iran is cocking a snook at the world.

Where can one turn to unravel the mystery behind such a phrase?

Try the World Wide Words

WWW struggles to define ''cocking a snook'' but the general impression is the physical gesture when one thumbs his or her nose at someone.

I cannot wait to share this phrase with my students this week.
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