rub sb the wrong way

/ɹˈʌb ˌɛsbˈiː ðə ɹˈɒŋ wˈeɪ/

/ɹˈʌb ˌɛsbˈiː ðə ɹˈɔŋ wˈeɪ/

[phrase]

to rub sb the wrong way

[PHRASE]

to cause someone to become extremely angry or upset without intending to

to [rub] {sb} the wrong way definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "rub someone the wrong way" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "rub someone the wrong way" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal act of rubbing a surface in the opposite direction of its natural grain, which can cause discomfort or irritation. This idiom is frequently used to express the feeling of being annoyed, bothered, or unsettled by someone or something that doesn't resonate well with one's own personality, values, or expectations. It can apply to small everyday annoyances as well as more significant instances of interpersonal conflict or discord.

Examples

1. Laura has a habit of rubbing people the wrong way.

2. Sometimes Redditors rub me the wrong way and sometimes I like you!

3. So that kind of rubbed me the wrong way, I think and I messaged her about it but still no response.

4. I do have a few ideas in mind already, to be honest, that I could talk about, things that I've experienced in say, like, the past year that have really rubbed me the wrong way that I wouldn't mind talking about.

Nearby words

there be no stopping

there is no accounting for taste

there is safety in numbers

run a tight ship

put house in order