How to Pronounce "touch a nerve"
expression
ˈtətʃ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnɝv
TUHCH uh NURV
tˈʌtʃ/ /æɪ/ /nˈɜːv
TUCH uh NURV
Definition
To say or do something that makes someone feel emotional, upset, or uncomfortable, often because it reminds them of something sensitive.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtətʃ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnɝv
British English
tˈʌtʃ/ /æɪ/ /nˈɜːv
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TUHCH uh NURV
UK
TUCH uh NURV
Listen in Context
Her comment about his job touched a nerve.
I think I touched a nerve when I mentioned her ex-boyfriend.
His reaction showed that I touched a nerve.
Wow, that question really touched a nerve—did you see her face?