set one's teeth on edge

/sˈɛt wˈɒnz tˈiːθ ˌɒn ˈɛdʒ/

/sˈɛt wˈʌnz tˈiːθ ˌɑːn ˈɛdʒ/

[phrase]

to set one's teeth on edge

[PHRASE]

to make someone extremely annoyed or enraged

to [set] {one's} teeth on edge definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "set one's teeth on edge" and when to use it?

The phrase "set one's teeth on edge" has its origins in biblical scripture, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. This idiom is used to convey a visceral reaction, emphasizing the intensity of the negative sensation. It can be used in various scenarios, such as describing the effect of screeching brakes, nails on a chalkboard, certain types of music, extremely bitter or sour flavors, or even certain textures that cause discomfort.

Examples

1. That DJ's voice really sets my teeth on edge.

2. Now, that sets our teeth on edge.

3. As much as all those missiles may set your teeth on edge, it's not all that much when you compare it to their notoriously nuclear northern neighbor.

4. And it seemed to me that it sets your teeth on edge sometimes some of the stuff you hear and you read in the way that numbers are handled.

Nearby words

serve right

sweat like a pig

up the river

have seen better days