sore point

sore point

A topic that makes one angry or uncomfortable. Whatever you do, don't mention his ex-wife—his divorce is really a sore point with him.
See also: point, sore
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sore point, a

A sensitive or annoying issue, as in Don't mention diets to Elsie; it's a sore point with her. This idiom was first recorded as a sore place in 1690.
See also: sore
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a sore point

or

a sore spot

COMMON You can say that a subject is a sore point with someone or a sore spot for them if it makes them feel angry, embarrassed, or upset. The continuing presence of foreign troops remains a very sore point with these students. Slow job growth is a sore spot for the US President. Note: If you touch or hit someone's sore point or sore spot, you mention a subject which makes them feel angry, embarrassed, or upset. The mention of Jim Kennerly had touched her sore spot. It was clear by his expression that my question had hit a sore point.
See also: point, sore
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a ˌsore ˈpoint (with somebody)

a subject or matter that makes somebody feel angry or hurt: The tax increases are a sore point with Jake, as he’s going to lose a lot of money.
See also: point, sore
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a sore point
  • sore point, a
  • you've got a point there
  • come to the point
  • come to the point and get to the point
  • come/get to the point
  • get to the point
  • get to the point, to
  • all over but the shouting
  • it's all over but the shouting
References in classic literature
I fear I have touched this sore point inadvertently, and she cannot get over it."
Professor
It is a sore point with me, this being told what I am to do or not do by you self-constituted lords of creation.-Viaburi I You stop along kitchen.
Adventure
Philip saw that the rivalry was a sore point with the old man.
Of Human Bondage
Tulliver manifested an unusual discretion, because she had recently had evidence that the going to school to a clergyman was a sore point with Tom, who looked at it as very much on a par with going to school to a constable.
The Mill on the Floss
The affair of the chaplaincy remained a sore point in his memory as a case in which this petty medium of Middlemarch had been too strong for him.
Middlemarch
The Secretary saw there was a strong feeling here on some sore point, and he would have made a diversion from it, but for Bradley's holding to it in his cumbersome way.
Our Mutual Friend
'The polarising role of the Northern Elders Forum and all those other groups dabbling into issues of security to score cheap political points has for long been a sore point in Nigeria's body polity.
Don't Obey NEF's Order To Quit South, Buhari Tells Fulani Herdsmen
Yet the untapped potential of contact lenses is a sore point for many.
Welcome
SORE POINT Fury (right) lost the decision 0to Pulev
Sad Fury is cut to the quick
The keyboard is the first real major sore point for this machine.
The pros and cons of Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
Putin The presidents discussed another sore point in relations: the conflict in Ukraine.
Macron pushes Putin to end crisis in Syria; PRESIDENTS HOLD PHONE CALL
But, if you have already invested your savings in a Tesla and then realize that the version of the car you bought would become obsolete in around a year's time, it might be a sore point.
Tesla Cars To Have 'Major Revisions' Every 12-18 Months
The sore point about this problem is that the very people who cuss and complain of others' rubbernecking end up doing the same when they themselves level up with the accident site.
Rubbernecking must stop for everyone's sake
The Eon was a brave move, but the lack of grunt from the engine was a sore point for some.
The Mighty Mouse
ENERGY bills are a sore point, with thousands of house holds not knowing whether their next bill is going to be more than they expected, and the added pressure that they bring on struggling families.
Be careful on energy costs; FEEDBACK