Rub the wrong way Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹəb/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɔŋ/ /ˈweɪ
RUB thuh RAWNG way
ɹˈʌb/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈɒŋ/ /wˈeɪ
rub thuh RONG way
Definition
To annoy or irritate someone, often unintentionally or by behaving in a way that someone dislikes.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is informal and describes giving someone a bad feeling, usually because of personality or behavior. Often used in negative or apologetic contexts: 'I hope I didn't rub you the wrong way.' It does NOT mean to physically touch someone.
Spanish: caer mal - irritarPortuguese (BR): irritar - incomodarPortuguese (PT): irritar - incomodarChinese (Simplified): 惹恼 - 让人不舒服Chinese (Traditional): 惹惱 - 讓人不舒服Hindi: चिढ़ाना - नाराज़ करनाArabic: يُزعج - يثير الاستفزازBengali: খারাপ লাগানো - বিরক্ত করাRussian: раздражать - выводить из себяJapanese: 不快にさせる - 嫌な気分にさせるVietnamese: làm ai đó khó chịu - khiến ai đó bực mìnhKorean: 불쾌하게 만들다 - 기분 상하게 하다Turkish: sinirlendirmek - rahatsız etmekUrdu: ناگوار محسوس کروانا - ناراض کرناIndonesian: làm ai khó chịu - khiến ai bực mình
Example Sentences
Sometimes my jokes rub the wrong way.
basic
He didn’t mean to rub the wrong way.
basic
Her attitude can rub the wrong way sometimes.
basic
I didn't mean to rub you the wrong way with my comment.
natural
Something about the way he talks just rubs me the wrong way.
natural
If I rubbed you the wrong way earlier, I'm sorry.
natural