hit a nerve

verb

Meaning

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.

Related words

hit a raw nerve(English)strike a nerve(English)touch a raw nerve(English)touch a nerve(English)get on someone's last nerve(English)press someone's buttons(English)touch upon(English)push someone's buttons(English)

Sources

DictionaryAPI.dev English dictionary data