hit too close to home: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hit too close to home’ mean?
When something "hits too close to home," it means that it is very personal or emotionally sensitive, making the person feel uncomfortable or upset because it directly relates to their own experiences or feelings.
Idiom Explorer
When something *leaps to mind*, it means that an idea or thought quickly springs into one's consciousness without much effort. It indicates an instant and obvious association with a particular topic or situation.
When someone says they "know someone," it means they are acquainted or familiar with that person. It implies a level of personal connection or understanding between the two individuals.
The idiom "in the crosshairs" means to be the target of attention, criticism, or potential harm.
The idiom "hurt someone's feelings" means to cause emotional pain or upset to someone by saying or doing something that offends or upsets them.
The idiom "human touch" refers to the personal connection or interaction between people, often emphasizing the warmth, empathy, and understanding that can be conveyed through physical contact, gestures, or personal attention.
An idiom meaning a controversial issue or situation that is difficult to handle, and often passed quickly from person to person to avoid dealing with it.
The idiom "home sweet home" is used to express a feeling of comfort, familiarity, and contentment when one is back in their own home environment.
The idiom "home away from home" refers to a place where one feels comfortable and at ease, as if it were their own home, despite being away from their actual residence.
The idiom "hit the nail on the head" means to accurately identify or pinpoint the main point or issue. It is used when someone makes a statement or observation that is exactly right or correct in every detail.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The Brutal Reality
The idiom "hit too close to home" is commonly used in American English to convey the idea that something said or done strikes a nerve because it directly relates to a personal or sensitive matter.
This phrase originated from the concept of physical proximity and has been in use since the mid-20th century. The word "hit" signifies a strong impact or connection, while "too close to home" emphasizes the significance of the target's proximity.
"Hit too close to home" is often employed in various contexts, such as conversations, literature, movies, and news articles. It is typically used when discussing topics that evoke strong emotional reactions or personal discomfort.
When someone says that a remark or situation "hit too close to home," they are expressing that it made them uncomfortable because it touched on a subject that directly relates to their personal experiences, values, or insecurities. This idiom suggests that the impact of the remark goes beyond surface-level discomfort and strikes at the core of the person's emotions or beliefs.
For example, if an individual is sensitive about their weight, a comment about their body might "hit too close to home," causing them to feel deeply hurt or offended. Similarly, a political joke that aligns with a person's deeply held beliefs may "hit too close to home" for someone who is already emotionally invested in the topic.
The phrase "hit too close to home" emphasizes the intensity of the emotional response, indicating that the person feels personally attacked or targeted by the remark or situation. It suggests a vulnerability or sensitivity that might be exacerbated by the proximity of the subject matter to the individual's own experiences or concerns.
The idiom "close to home" is closely related to "hit too close to home" and carries a similar meaning. When something is described as "close to home," it means that it is emotionally or personally relevant to the individual. It may evoke strong reactions or feelings because of its direct connection to the person's own experiences, beliefs, or values.
Using "close to home" in the context of the idiom "hit too close to home" highlights the significance of the emotional impact. It emphasizes that the remark or situation is not just socially uncomfortable but strikes at something deep within the individual.
Both "hit too close to home" and "close to home" are idiomatic expressions that capture the idea of a direct and personal connection between a remark or situation and an individual's emotions or beliefs. They describe the discomfort or impact that comes from addressing topics that are intimately related to one's own experiences or concerns.
Understanding the usage and meaning of these idioms allows us to better comprehend the intensity of emotional reactions and the significance of personal connections. It also enables us to appreciate the power of language in evoking strong responses and creating meaningful connections between people and ideas.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hit too close to home" can be used in a sentence:
- When the teacher discussed the negative effects of procrastination, it hit too close to home for me because I am a notorious procrastinator.
- After watching a movie that portrayed a devastating earthquake, my friend became extremely emotional because it hit too close to home as she had experienced a similar natural disaster in the past.
- When the politician made a speech about the importance of financial responsibility, it hit too close to home for many citizens who were struggling with personal debt.
More "Emotional" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
