get under someone’s skin: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "get on someone's nerves" is another expression commonly used in English. It is used to describe the act of irritating or annoying someone, often to the point of causing frustration or anger. Although it has a similar meaning to "get under someone's skin," there is a slight difference. "Get on someone's nerves" refers to actions or behaviors that continually bother someone, whereas "get under someone's skin" suggests a deeper emotional impact.

Another related idiom is "stick in someone's craw." This phrase is less commonly used but still conveys a similar meaning. It means to deeply irritate or annoy someone, particularly when something is seen as unfair or unjust. When something sticks in someone's craw, it symbolizes a feeling of being unable to swallow or accept a particular situation.

The idiom "get someone's dander up" is yet another related phrase that describes provoking or irritating someone to the point of anger or frustration. It suggests that something has caused someone's emotions to become aroused or agitated, similar to how "get under someone's skin" evokes a strong emotional response.

"get someone's back up" is yet another idiomatic expression with a similar meaning. When someone's back is up, it means they are in a state of anger or defensiveness. This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone's actions or words have caused someone else to become irritated or provoked. It reflects the idea that someone's behavior has figuratively raised another person's hackles, as if preparing for a fight or confrontation.

The idiom "get underneath someone's skin" carries a meaning similar to "get under someone's skin." Both phrases are used to describe the act of deeply irritating, annoying, or bothering someone. "Get underneath someone's skin" suggests that something has managed to penetrate deeply into a person's emotions, causing discomfort and agitation. This idiom adds a layer of intensity to the act of getting under someone's skin, emphasizing the profound impact it has on someone's emotional state.

While these idioms may have slight nuances in their meanings, they all revolve around the concept of irritating or annoying someone to the point of frustration, anger, or discomfort. People often use these phrases in everyday conversations to describe situations or individuals who consistently and persistently agitate or provoke strong negative emotions. They provide a colorful and expressive way to convey the impact of someone's actions or words on others.