rub someone the wrong way

rub (one) the wrong way

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

See also: rub, way, wrong

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

rub someone (up) the wrong way

irritate or repel someone.

The image here is of stroking an animal against the lie of its fur.

See also: rub, someone, way, wrong

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017