rub the wrong way

rub the wrong way  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To make (someone) a little angry; do something not liked by (someone); annoy; bother.
John's bragging rubbed the other boys the wrong way.
Mother's friend called Harold a little boy, and that rubbed Harold the wrong way.
Compare: AGAINST THE GRAIN (2).
Categories: bother friends {informal} {v. phr.}