[rub] {sb} the wrong way
1
to cause someone to become extremely angry or upset without intending to
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.
- The insensitive comment really rubbed him the wrong way.
- I know their behavior will continue to rub her the wrong way.
- The ongoing complaints are rubbing everyone the wrong way.
- The persistent negativity will be rubbing them the wrong way throughout the project.