# rub someone the wrong way

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rub-someone-the-wrong-way
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To bother, disturb, irritate, or annoy.

## Examples

- His constant complaining rubs me the wrong way.
- I tried to be friendly, but his arrogant attitude really rubbed me the wrong way.
- Although the new manager was technically competent, his dismissive tone during meetings rubbed the entire team the wrong way.

## Origin

The expression derives from the physiological response of a cat to being stroked in a direction contrary to that of its fur. The friction caused by such contact is regarded as an irritation by the animal, a domestic inconvenience that the idiom has since extended to human social friction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.