strike a sour note

strike a sour note

To indicate, introduce, or allude to something particularly unfortunate, unpleasant, or disagreeable. You definitely struck a sour note when you brought up Dan's ex-girlfriends during your best man speech.
See also: note, sour, strike
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

strike a sour note

 and hit a sour note
Fig. to signify something unpleasant. Jane's sad announcement struck a sour note at the annual banquet. News of the accident hit a sour note in our holiday celebration.
See also: note, sour, strike
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

strike (or sound) a — note

express a feeling or view of a particular kind.
2000 Times John McCain …was expected to strike a hawkish note last night, calling for the upgrading of the Armed Forces.
See also: note, strike
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hit a sour note
  • sour note
  • vinegar
  • sour
  • sour as vinegar
  • (as) sour as vinegar
  • a sad state (of affairs)
  • drop a hint
  • hint
  • a sorry state (of affairs)