# rub up the wrong way

idiom

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

## Meaning

To annoy or anger someone.

## Examples

- His constant complaining rubs me up the wrong way.
- I try to be polite, but his arrogant attitude really rubs me up the wrong way during meetings.
- Although he was technically qualified for the position, his condescending tone during the interview rubbed the hiring committee up the wrong way.

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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.