strike a chord

1. Trigger a feeling or memory, as in That poem strikes a chord in all those touched by the Holocaust. This term alludes to striking the strings or keys of a musical instrument. [First half of 1800s] Also see strike the right note.

Related Words

• affect 
• disturb 
• excite 
• grab 
• impress 
• influence 
• inspire 
• mark 
• move 
• stir 
• strike 
• stroke 
• upset