Strike a Nerve.
English
idiom
To upset or offend someone by touching on a sensitive topic.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To upset or offend someone by touching on a sensitive topic.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To say something that upsets someone by touching a sensitive spot.
When you strike a nerve, the reaction is stronger than you expected.
It usually means you have hit on something that matters deeply to them.
"Hit a Sore Spot"
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Very similar — touching a painful or sensitive topic; slightly more about past wounds
"Touch a Nerve"
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Nearly identical — both mean triggering an emotional reaction; touch a nerve is slightly softer
"Strike a Nerve"
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Triggering a strong emotional reaction by touching on something personal or sensitive
Why did everyone get so tense after her presentation?
She struck a nerve talking about accountability. Some people took it personally.
Why did he react so strongly to what you said?
I must have struck a nerve. I didn't know that was such a sensitive topic for him.
How did the feedback session go?
I struck a nerve with one comment about his approach. He got defensive immediately.
