touch a nerve

Etymology
An allusion to the sharp sensation felt when a dentist or surgeon physically disturbs an exposed nerve.

Verb

 * 1)  To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.

Translations

 * Dutch: een open zenuw raken
 * French:, faire vibrer la corde sensible
 * Russian: заде́ть за живо́е
 * Swedish: