set someone's teeth on edge
set (one's) teeth on edge
1. To greatly irritate or annoy one, especially to the point of affecting one's nerves. Nothing sets my teeth on edge like seeing these cyclists run every red light in town! I don't know what it is about Terry, but there's something about his demeanor that just sets my teeth on edge.
2. To cause one to be upset, nervous, or uncomfortable. Please don't tell me about your surgery, it sets my teeth on edge hearing about medical procedures.
See also: edge, on, set, teeth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
set someone's teeth on edge
cause someone to feel intense discomfort or irritation.This is an expression used in the Bible to describe the unpleasant sensation caused by eating something bitter or sour: ‘every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge’ (Jeremiah 31:30).
1997 Kate O'Riordan The Boy in the Moon Julia's voice sustained a quavery note that set Brian's teeth on edge.
See also: edge, on, set, teeth
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- put (one's) teeth on edge
- make (one's) teeth itch
- grind (someone's) gears
- drive (one) crazy
- drive crazy
- drive someone crazy
- drive (someone) buggy
- raise (one's) hackles
- raise one's hackles
- raise someone's hackles