THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Touch a nerve
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To upset someone by mentioning a subject they are sensitive about.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- My question about the cancelled trip seemed to touch a nerve.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
My question about the cancelled trip seemed to ________.
Show the answer
Touch a nerve — To upset someone by mentioning a subject they are sensitive about.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Touch a nerve” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To upset someone by mentioning a subject they are sensitive about.
Compare: My question about the cancelled trip seemed to touch a nerve.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally when a remark produces a strong emotional response because the topic is personal or painful.
More examples in context
- The criticism touched a nerve because she had worked hard on the design.
- He changed the subject when he realised he had touched a nerve.
Usage note
Hit a nerve and touch a raw nerve are useful variations. The expression does not require physical contact or refer to an actual injury.
A short conversation
A: Why did Ben go quiet when I asked about his old job?
B: You may have touched a nerve. Leaving was difficult for him.
A: I will give him space to talk if he wants to.
One more practice question
What does “The remark touched a nerve” suggest?
A. The remark upset someone because the subject was sensitive.
B. The remark was about a completely unimportant topic and caused no reaction.
Check your answer
A. A sensitive subject has provoked an emotional response.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.