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Synonyms

strike a chord

Idioms  

  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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The freedom of full-time travel often seems to strike a chord with people who feel hemmed in by jobs and mortgages, family commitments and responsibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour seemed to strike a chord, bringing out upward of 30,000 attendees at each stop.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

Despite the surplus of videos in his closet, Rose observes that he only invests in films that strike a chord with him, ones he plans to revisit.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Jolie's sentiments strike a chord with the recent difficulties she has endured.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2024

He could sing a song and strike a chord now and then and really it sounded as though he were singing to music.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.