touch a nerve

== English == === Alternative forms === hit a nerve, strike a nerve, touch a raw nerve === Etymology === An allusion to the sharp sensation felt when a dentist or surgeon physically disturbs an exposed nerve. === Pronunciation === === Verb === touch a nerve (third-person singular simple present touches a nerve, present participle touching a nerve, simple past and past participle touched a nerve) (idiomatic) 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. ==== Antonyms ==== strike a chord ==== Translations ==== === See also === get on someone's nerves rub someone the wrong way === References === “touch a nerve”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.