under your skin

USAGE SUMMARY

"under your skin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has left a lasting impression, either positive or negative, and is difficult to forget. For example: "Her words stayed under my skin, even long after the conversation had ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Film

Arts

Sports

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What gets under your skin?

The Guardian - Music

It gets under your skin.

The Guardian - Film

He slithers under your skin easily.

The New York Times

The twins get under your skin.

The Guardian - Books

She can just get under your skin.

The New York Times

And blogging – it gets under your skin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their story gets under your skin.

The Guardian - Books

The place really gets under your skin".

The Guardian - Travel

"They try to get under your skin".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, her characters get under your skin.

The Guardian - Books

But Wright's quiet drawings work their way under your skin.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "under your skin" to describe something that has a lasting impact on someone's emotions or thoughts, whether positive or negative. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "under your skin" for trivial annoyances. The phrase implies a significant and often persistent effect, not a fleeting irritation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under your skin" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, indicating it describes something leaving a lasting impression. It often acts as a predicate complement, describing how a subject affects someone emotionally or psychologically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Books

13%

Music

9%

Less common in

Arts

7%

Film

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under your skin" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe something that has a lasting emotional or psychological impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While it can denote irritation, it often signifies a deeper resonance. When writing, be mindful of the intensity the phrase conveys and consider related phrases like "affect you deeply" or "leave a mark on you" to better suit the context. Avoid using it for trivial annoyances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect you deeply

This focuses on the profound emotional or psychological influence.

burrow into your mind

This captures the idea of something deeply embedding itself in your thoughts.

leave a mark on you

This alternative focuses on the lasting impact or impression something has on a person.

stick with you

This emphasizes the persistence and memorability of an experience or idea.

get to you

This option suggests a direct emotional impact, often implying annoyance or irritation.

gnaw at you

This suggests a persistent, unsettling feeling or worry.

have a hold on you

This phrase implies a controlling or obsessive influence.

make an impression on you

This option emphasizes the creation of a notable and memorable effect.

preoccupy your thoughts

This phrase indicates that something is constantly on your mind.

sink in

This phrase refers to something gradually becoming understood or felt.

FAQs

How can I use "under your skin" in a sentence?

You can use "under your skin" to describe something that has a lasting impact on someone. For example, "The movie really got "under my skin" and I couldn't stop thinking about it."

What does it mean when something gets "under your skin"?

When something gets "under your skin", it means it has a strong emotional or psychological impact on you, often in a way that is unsettling or irritating. It can also mean something has left a lasting impression.

What can I say instead of "under your skin"?

You can use alternatives like "affect you deeply", "get to you", or "leave a mark on you depending on the context.

Is it always negative when something gets "under your skin"?

Not always. While it often implies irritation or discomfort, something getting "under your skin" can also mean it has deeply resonated with you in a positive or thought-provoking way.