Meaning: To deeply irritate, annoy, or provoke someone, or alternatively, to strongly affect someone emotionally, often in a way they can’t ignore.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Her constant interruptions really get under my skin during meetings.”
- “That catchy tune has gotten under my skin—I can’t stop humming it!”
- “Despite his tough exterior, her kindness got under his skin, and he started to open up.”
Origin:
The phrase likely originated as a metaphor for something causing discomfort, much like an insect or object physically under the skin. Over time, it came to symbolize emotional or mental irritation. The idiom gained broader use in literature and conversation by the mid-20th century.
