hit/strike/touch a nerve
idiom
: to make someone feel angry, upset, embarrassed, etc.
Something she said to him must have hit/struck/touched a nerve. I've never seen him so angry.
His controversial column might have hit a (raw/sensitive) nerve with some readers.
Examples of hit/strike/touch a nerve in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Outspoken television analyst and former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho was born and raised in Dallas, so Dončić’s departure hit a nerve.
—
Jason Jones, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
My intention was for each piece to hit a nerve with the person wearing it.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
An authority figure can strike a nerve in you today.
—USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
Following Barbie’s release, Gloria’s monologue hit a nerve with women worldwide.
—Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hit/strike/touch a nerve 
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Jason Jones, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
My intention was for each piece to hit a nerve with the person wearing it.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
An authority figure can strike a nerve in you today.
—USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
Following Barbie’s release, Gloria’s monologue hit a nerve with women worldwide.
—Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hit/strike/touch a nerve
Dictionary Entries Near hit/strike/touch a nerve
Cite this Entry
“Hit/strike/touch a nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit%2Fstrike%2Ftouch%20a%20nerve. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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