PHRASE 对(权威或机构)进行侮辱(或表示轻蔑) If you cock a snook at someone in authority or at an organization, you do something that they cannot punish you for, but which insults them or expresses your contempt. 对(权威或机构)进行侮辱(或表示轻蔑) [mainly British, journalism]
Tories cocked a snook at their prime minister over this legislation.