Rub Someone the Wrong Way

Also used: Rub Someone Up the Wrong Way (UK)

Meaning of Idiom ‘Rub Someone (Up) the Wrong Way

To rub someone the wrong way means to irritate, annoy, aggravate, or offend someone without intending to.

The UK version of this idiom is ‘rub someone up the wrong way’ and the American version is ‘rub someone the wrong way.’

The phrase ‘something about (a person) is often used with this idiom since often, we don’t know why someone rubs us the wrong way, there is just ‘something about them’ that annoys or irritates us.

Sentence Examples

“There’s something about that guy that just rubs me the wrong way.”

“He’s never going to get anywhere in politics. He tends to rub people the wrong way.”

“When we first met, she rubbed me the wrong way but after a while I realized she just had a strange sense of humor.”

“Jack? I know you’re good at rubbing people the wrong way but why would you aggravate the vice president?” “Because my 17-year-old kid knows more science than he does.” — The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

“Why’d he leave?” “Had a habit of just rubbing people the wrong way.” “Like what? What’d he do?” “Like marry a prostitute, for one.” — Gone Baby Gone (2007)

“The only way it might work is if you buy a bigger truck with a cozy little apartment in back, just big enough for two.” “That sounds pretty great. But sooner or later I rub everybody the wrong way.” — Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

“I’m not sure what you mean. I knew Luke Trimble. I didn’t like him much. Not saying he’s bad, just rubbed me the wrong way. You know the feeling? Someone rubs you the wrong way, you can’t explain why?” “You kind of rub me that way. Not that that makes you Luke.” — The Majestic (2001)

“Something about that guy’s voice just rubs me the wrong way.” — Where the Heart Is (2000)

“Listen, you idiot. While you’ve been giving everybody a lesson in civics, I’ve got a plumbing business…” “Mr. Moss, something seems to be rubbing you the wrong way…” “You’re rubbing me the wrong way!” — The Odd Couple: The Jury Story (1970)

Origin

Used since the mid-1800s, the idiom ‘rub someone (up) the wrong way, alludes to stroking an animal’s fur the wrong way, opposite the direction of growth.