PhrasesHub

Set your teeth on edge

    Definitions

      • cause irritation or annoyance
        Describing a situation or experience that is extremely irritating or causes discomfort

    Examples of Set your teeth on edge

    • Her constant clacking of nails on the keyboard set my teeth on edge during our work presentation.

      When someone creates an irritating or grating noise, it can cause discomfort or unease, leading to the sensation of gritting your teeth. In this example, the sound of the person's nails against the keyboard was so annoying that it put the listener on edge, causing them to unconsciously tense up and clench their teeth.

    • The shrill ringing of the alarm clock at 5 am each morning is enough to set my teeth on edge.

      This scenario references the frustration one might feel when being forced into an undesired situation, causing physical discomfort. This example describes the sensation of waking up from sleep due to an annoying alarm ringing loudly, causing the person to feel agitated and grind their teeth because of the unwelcome disturbance.

    • The constant humming of the air conditioning unit in our office is really starting to set my teeth on edge.

      Here, the repetitive, low-pitched droning noise is the cause of discomfort, which may make the listener feel tense or irritable. In this example, the person is describing the sensation of being annoyed by the persistent noise of the AC, which can cause them to subconsciously grind their teeth in response.

    • His never-ending chatter and incessant laughter at every little thing set my teeth on edge during our date.

      This example reflects the emotional discomfort caused by an overly talkative or boisterous individual. Here, the speaker is describing the feeling of discomfort caused by the date's excessive chatter and loud laughing, which caused the speaker's teeth to grind together in response to the irritating noise.

    • The high-pitched scream of the fire alarm blaring in the night made me set my teeth on edge.

      This idiom means that a loud and irritating noise caused me to feel extremely nervous or uncomfortable. In this example, the sound of the fire alarm was so intense that it made me tense up and feel uneasy, causing me to clench my teeth.

    • The sound of nails on a chalkboard makes me want to set my teeth on edge.

      This is a common expression used to describe a particularly grating or annoying noise. It's often followed by the phrase "it drives me crazy" or "it sends shivers down my spine." In this case, the sound of nails on a chalkboard is so unpleasant that it makes me feel extremely anxious or agitated, causing me to clinch my teeth.

    • Her constant criticisms were starting to set my teeth on edge.

      This idiom is used to describe when someone's negative feedback or behavior makes us feel increasingly uncomfortable over time. In this instance, the person being referenced is consistently criticizing or judging others, which creates a sense of discomfort and unease in those around her.

    • The arguments between my parents were always enough to set my teeth on edge.

      This idiom is used to illustrate how particularly contentious or hostile arguments or interactions can create feelings of nervousness or discomfort. In this case, the disagreements between this person's parents would occasion a tangible physical response in them, likely causing them to tense up and clench their teeth.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "set your teeth on edge" is used to convey a feeling of extreme irritation or discomfort. It can be used to describe a situation or experience that is particularly annoying or frustrating.

    Origin of "Set your teeth on edge"

    The origin of the idiom "set your teeth on edge" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 18, verse 2, which reads, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This expression was used to convey the idea that the consequences of one's actions can have a negative impact on future generations. Over time, the phrase evolved to be used in a more general sense, to describe any situation that causes irritation or discomfort. The physical sensation of teeth grinding or clenching in response to an irritating sound or experience has been metaphorically linked to the feeling of irritation or discomfort conveyed by the idiom.