press (someone's) buttons

press (someone's) buttons

1. To do things that create a very strong emotional reaction in someone, especially anger, irritation, or exasperation. I hate Dave's new boyfriend—he's always trying to press my buttons, and he's doing a good job of it! No one will be able to press your buttons like your children, but it's all a part of the adventure of parenthood.
2. To be sexually attractive or arousing to someone. Did you see that waitress over at the other table? Man, she presses my buttons.
See also: button, press
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • push (one's) buttons
  • push somebody's buttons
  • push someone's buttons
  • what did your last slave die of
  • hype artist
  • doggone it
  • FGI
  • just (one's) luck
  • just my luck
  • just my, his, etc. luck