What does “Get on your nerves” mean?
"Get on your nerves" means to irritate or annoy someone.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Her constant complaining really gets on my nerves.
Example
The sound of nails on a chalkboard gets on my nerves.
Example
His arrogant attitude always gets on my nerves
Is “Get on your nerves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get on your nerves” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get on your nerves” effectively in context?
You can use "Get on your nerves" to express when someone or something is irritating or annoying you. It emphasizes the feeling of frustration or discomfort caused by the person or situation. For example, if a friend is constantly complaining, you might say, 'Her constant complaining really gets on my nerves.'
- 1Personal Relationships
His constant nagging about small things really gets on my nerves.
- 2Sensory Discomfort
The sound of nails on a chalkboard gets on my nerves.
- 3Negative Attitudes
His arrogant attitude always gets on my nerves.
Similar phrases to “Get on your nerves”:
Grind someone's gears
To irritate or annoy someone
Example
His constant interruptions really grind my gears.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get on your nerves” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get on your nerves" is unknown.
Is “Get on your nerves” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get on your nerves" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations or people that irritate or annoy them.
What tone does “Get on your nerves” have?
"Get on your nerves" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It's used to express a strong negative reaction to someone or something that is bothersome.
Can “Get on your nerves” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Get on your nerves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common feeling of irritation or annoyance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Her constant complaining really gets on my nerves.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That noise really "gets on my nerves"!' to express annoyance.