push somebody's buttons

push (one's) buttons

1. To do things that create a very strong emotional reaction in one, especially anger, irritation, or exasperation. I hate Dave's new boyfriend, he's always trying to push my buttons, and he's doing a good job of it! No one will be able to push your buttons like your children, but it's all a part of the adventure of parenthood.
2. To be sexually attractive or arousing to one. A guy who knows how to cook really pushes my buttons.
See also: button, push
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ˌpush somebody’s ˈbuttons

(also ˌpress somebody’s ˈbuttons especially in British English ) (informal) make somebody react, especially in an angry or excited way: I almost never lose my temper, but this guy can really push my buttons. I’ve known him for years, but I still don’t really know what pushes his buttons.
See also: button, push
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • push (one's) buttons
  • push someone's buttons
  • press (someone's) buttons
  • doggone it
  • what did your last slave die of
  • just (one's) luck
  • just my luck
  • just my, his, etc. luck
  • FGI
  • drive (one) round the twist
References in periodicals archive
I guess I need to go to Salem and stand on some steps somewhere, push somebody's buttons and make noise about this, because my son and my rights require it - and I don't know who will do it but me.
Child support suspensions unfairly harsh