cut somebody to the quick

cut (one) to the quick

1. To slice a part of the body very deeply. Be careful—one slip of that knife and you'll cut yourself to the quick.
2. To strike the deepest, most fragile part of one. Typically used to describe emotional wounds. I can't even look at her right now—that hurtful remark cut me right to the quick.
See also: cut, quick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cut somebody to the ˈquick

hurt somebody’s feelings; offend somebody deeply: It cut her to the quick to hear him criticizing her family like that.
The quick is the soft, sensitive flesh that is under your nails.
See also: cut, quick, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • cut (one) to the quick
  • cut someone to the quick
  • cut to the quick
  • cut through (something) like a (hot) knife through butter
  • slice up
  • cut in
  • cut in(to)
  • cut into
  • cut someone in
  • cut through