touch a nerve

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.

En-au-touch a nerve.ogg

touch a nerve touches a nerve touching a nerve touched a nerve hit a nerve strike a nerve touch a raw nerve

An allusion to the sharp sensation felt when a dentist or surgeon physically disturbs an exposed nerve.

strike a chord

get on someone's nerves rub someone the wrong way

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