strike a sour note

strike a sour note

To indicate, introduce, or allude to something particularly unfortunate, unpleasant, or disagreeable. You definitely struck a sour note when you brought up Dan's ex-girlfriends during your best man speech.

See also: note, sour, strike

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

strike a sour note

 and hit a sour note

Fig. to signify something unpleasant. Jane's sad announcement struck a sour note at the annual banquet. News of the accident hit a sour note in our holiday celebration.

See also: note, sour, strike

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

strike (or sound) a — note

express a feeling or view of a particular kind.

2000 Times John McCain …was expected to strike a hawkish note last night, calling for the upgrading of the Armed Forces.

See also: note, strike

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017