Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
rub-the-wrong-way
idiom
/rʌb ðə rɔŋ weɪ/
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Definition
To irritate or annoy someone, often in a way that leads to conflict or disagreement.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Annoy
- Irritate
- Displease
- Upset
- Provoke