rub someone the wrong way
/rʌb ˈsʌmwʌn ðə rɔːŋ weɪ/
Meaning
This idiom means to annoy, irritate, or bother someone slightly, often without intending to. It usually refers to a personality clash or a minor behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable or defensive.
Examples
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I don't know what it is about his tone, but he always rubs me the wrong way.
I don't know what it is about his tone, but he always rubs me the wrong way.
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She didn't mean to offend anyone, but her comments rubbed the team the wrong way.
She didn't mean to offend anyone, but her comments rubbed the team the wrong way.
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His arrogant attitude immediately rubbed her the wrong way during the interview.
His arrogant attitude immediately rubbed her the wrong way during the interview.
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Try not to rub him the wrong way; he's the one who approves our budget.
Try not to rub him the wrong way; he's the one who approves our budget.
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Sometimes even the nicest people can rub you the wrong way if you're having a bad day.
Sometimes even the nicest people can rub you the wrong way if you're having a bad day.
Common Mistakes
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✗ His attitude rubbed me wrong.
✓ His attitude rubbed me the wrong way.
The full idiom requires 'the wrong way'. You cannot shorten it to just 'wrong'.
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✗ She rubs me to the wrong way.
✓ She rubs me the wrong way.
Do not use the preposition 'to' before 'the wrong way'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I try to be nice, but his sarcastic jokes always ___.
💡 To irritate or annoy someone slightly.
Show answer
rub me the wrong way
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Be careful with your feedback so you don't ___.
💡 Avoid annoying or offending them.
Show answer
rub them the wrong way