rub the wrong way

Idioms  

1. Irritate, annoy, as in His remarks about welfare rubbed a great many people the wrong way. This idiom alludes to rubbing an animal's fur in the wrong direction. [Mid-1800s] Also see ruffle someone's feathers.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rub the wrong way

This is ostensibly a courtesy to avoid alerting current co-workers that you are job hunting, but it means people you rub the wrong way could ding you years later.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026

While it’s hard to argue with using one word instead of five, “robust” can still rub the wrong way.

From Forbes ● Feb. 5, 2013

I have no desire to rub the wrong way anyone who proves his true friendship by purchasing a copy of this Work.

From People You Know by Ade, George

He put his hand on her head and gave it a slow little rub, the wrong way, but tenderly.

From Louisiana by Burnett, Frances Hodgson