To be blunt or curt with someone; to treat someone coldly and tersely.
店員が客に木で鼻をくくるように答えたので、気分が悪くなった。
The clerk answered the customer curtly, so I felt unpleasant.
彼女は忙しいと言って、質問に木で鼻をくくる態度をとった。
She said she was busy and responded curtly to the question.
上司に木で鼻をくくる言い方をされて、部下は怒りを覚えた。
The boss spoke curtly, and the subordinate felt angry.