hit a nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit a nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means to cause an emotional or physical reaction, such as discomfort or annoyance. For example, She said something that really hit a nerve with me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have I hit a nerve?

Independent

The article hit a nerve.

The Economist

"It really hit a nerve".

The New York Times

This dig hit a nerve.

The Economist

"He's hit a nerve".

The Guardian

It hit a nerve.

The Guardian - Sport

Packard hit a nerve.

The New York Times

This hit a nerve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The message has hit a nerve.

The New York Times - Science

His efforts apparently hit a nerve.

The New Yorker

The campaign hit a nerve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit a nerve" when you want to express that something you said or did has triggered a strong emotional reaction, especially one that reveals underlying sensitivities or unresolved issues.

Common error

Avoid using "hit a nerve" when a milder reaction is more appropriate. The phrase implies a significant emotional impact, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "hit a nerve" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something said or done has provoked a strong, often negative, emotional reaction. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from political commentary to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit a nerve" is a common idiom used to describe when something evokes a strong emotional response, often due to a sensitivity or underlying issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the intensity of the reaction implied by the phrase. Alternatives like "touched a raw spot" or "struck a chord" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Being mindful of the emotional weight of "hit a nerve" ensures its effective and appropriate use in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touched a raw spot

Focuses on the sensitivity and vulnerability that the topic or statement has uncovered.

touched a sensitive subject

Highlights the delicate nature of the topic and the need for careful handling.

struck a chord

Implies a resonance or agreement with someone's feelings or beliefs.

provoked a reaction

Highlights the act of causing a response, without specifying the nature of the reaction.

got under someone's skin

Indicates a persistent and irritating effect on someone.

caused offense

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact and potential harm caused by the statement or action.

stirred up emotions

Highlights the act of stimulating or arousing feelings, often with intensity.

pushed someone's buttons

Implies deliberately provoking someone by targeting their known sensitivities.

ruffled feathers

Suggests a disturbance or annoyance, often in a group or organization.

irked someone

Describes a mild but persistent form of annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "hit a nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "hit a nerve" to describe when a statement or action evokes a strong emotional response, often due to personal sensitivity. For example, "His comment about her career really "hit a nerve"."

What does it mean when someone says I "hit a nerve"?

It means you touched upon a sensitive topic or issue that the person feels strongly about, often in a negative way. It implies that your statement or action triggered an emotional reaction due to some underlying vulnerability or concern.

What are some alternative phrases for "hit a nerve"?

Alternatives include "touched a raw spot", "struck a chord", or "provoked a reaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hit a nerve" a formal or informal expression?

"Hit a nerve" is generally considered an informal expression, but it's acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might prefer a more neutral alternative.