strike a note

strike a (kind of) note

Of speech, to have or communicate a certain kind of tone or attitude. The president struck an beleaguered note in his address to congress, as he tried to convince them to vote for the healthcare bill he is backing. The manager struck a rather insincere note as he expressed his sorrow at the round of layoffs.

See also: note, strike

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. © 2022 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

sound/strike a ˈnote (of ˈsth)

express feelings or opinions of a particular kind: She sounded a note of warning in her speech.

See also: note, sound, strike

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017