Final answer:
The phrase 'squeezing the glands dry and making a river of one's nose' refers to excessive nasal discharge during sneezing or congestion, often depicted in an exaggerated, comedic way in art or when describing the discomfort of nasal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When someone says 'squeezing the glands dry and making a river of one's nose,' they're using a vivid, idiomatic expression to describe someone who is experiencing excessive nasal discharge, commonly during a sneeze or due to conditions such as colds, allergies, or irritations. Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the mouth and nose, an action that often accompanies the release of mucus.This phrase could portray an imagery akin to that depicted in the painting 'Sneeze' by Schutz, which illustrates an exaggerated and comedic interpretation of this natural, yet sometimes embarrassing bodily function.
The sneeze produces a high-velocity discharge of snot, which can be uncomfortable and socially repulsive. During a sneeze, the respiratory mucosa can expel mucus in an uncontrolled manner.Pregnancy can also lead to nasal congestion, as the respiratory mucosa swells due to increased blood flow, resulting in a similar sensation where the nasal glands work excessively, making it feel as though there is a 'river' running from one's nose, especially in cold and dry weather.