What Does “Hit a Nerve” Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句) -N0.567-

What Does “Hit a Nerve” Mean?（よく使う英語慣用表現）

Introduction

Have you ever said something that made someone suddenly react strongly or emotionally? In English, we often say you “hit a nerve.”

1. What Does “Hit a Nerve” Mean?

To “hit a nerve” means to upset or offend someone by touching on a sensitive topic. It often causes a strong emotional reaction.

2. When to Use It

Use this idiom when a comment or topic makes someone feel uncomfortable, angry, or defensive.

Example:
A: I didn’t expect him to react like that.
B: You must have hit a nerve.

3. 日本語の同じような表現

日本語では、「神経に障る」「気に障る」「痛いところを突く」といった表現が近いです。
相手にとって敏感な話題に触れてしまった時に使われます。

Conclusion

When something you say causes a strong emotional reaction because it touches a sensitive point, you can say it “hit a nerve.” It’s a useful idiom for describing uncomfortable or tense situations.

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