rub somebody up the wrong way

rub (one) up the wrong way

To irritate one due to someone's or something's presence, nature, or habitual behavior (as opposed to directly intentionally). Primarily heard in UK, Australia. The way she smiles all the time really rubs me up the wrong way. It seems so fake. He's always talking about how those adverts rub him up the wrong way, but I think they're just a bit of fun.

See also: rub, up, way, wrong

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

rub somebody up the wrong ˈway

(British English) (American English rub somebody the wrong ˈway) (informal) make somebody annoyed or angry, often without intending to, by doing or saying something that offends them: She’s a very good lawyer but she does sometimes rub clients up the wrong way.

See also: rub, somebody, up, way, wrong

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