Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rub-the-wrong-way

idiom

/rʌb ðə rɔŋ weɪ/

Definition

To irritate or annoy someone, often in a way that leads to conflict or disagreement.

Examples

His constant interruptions tend to rub me the wrong way during meetings.
She didn’t mean to rub her boss the wrong way, but her comments came off as critical.

Meaning

This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone’s actions or words cause displeasure or frustration to another person, often without intent.