get under someone’s skin, to
Get under someone’s skin, to - To annoy someone. This expression no doubt alludes to the irritation caused by burrowing insects, which can cause intense itching. Cole Porter, however, used the expression quite differently in his song, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (🎶 from Born to Dance, 1936), describing a romantic addiction to a person rather than an insect infestation or a persistent annoyance.
Similar Terms & Expressions
- Bug someone - To bother someone persistently.
- Rub someone the wrong way - To annoy without overt action.
- Be a thorn in someone’s side - To be a persistent cause of annoyance.
Humorous Quote
“If I had a dollar for every time someone got under my skin, I’d be itching my way to the bank!” – 🎙️ Jovial Joe
Related Proverbs
- “Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” This wise old saying combines the annoyance of little pests with a touch of humor before bedtime.
- “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Often, things or people too close to us can become sources of annoyance.
Pop Culture References
- Under Her Skin: A gripping thriller by Alex North - A psychological novel where betrayal gets truly under the character’s emotional barriers.
- 🎥 I’ve Got You Under My Skin - A classic tune by Frank Sinatra perfect for your playlist when love’s pesky invasion stings in the most delightful way.
Suggested Literature & Media
- Books:
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - Witness how Scarlett gets under everyone’s skin with her indomitable spirit.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Mr. Darcy certainly knows how to get under Elizabeth Bennet’s skin.
- Movies:
- Mean Girls 🐤- Watch how Regina George gets under everyone’s skin with her devious plots.
- My Fair Lady 🎵- Example of teacher and pupil endlessly getting under each other’s skin in surprising ways.
- Songs:
- “Under My Skin” by Gin Wigmore - Another take on how someone can become a beautiful, yet annoying part of your life.
- Poetry:
- “A Poison Tree” by William Blake - Captures the essence of nurturing one’s annoyances into a full-blown resentment tree.
### What does "get under someone’s skin" mean?
- [x] To annoy someone persistently
- [ ] To cause a physical rash
- [ ] To start living rent-free under someone’s roof
- [ ] To perform a surgery
> **Explanation:** "Get under someone’s skin" means to annoy someone persistently or deeply.
### Which idiom is similar in meaning to "get under someone’s skin"?
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [ ] Break the ice
- [x] Rub someone the wrong way
- [ ] Hit the hay
> **Explanation:** "Rub someone the wrong way" means to annoy or irritate someone, much like "get under someone’s skin."
### True or False: Cole Porter's "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" gives the same negative connotation as the idiom.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Cole Porter used the phrase "I've Got You Under My Skin" to describe romantic obsession, not annoyance.
### Which invertebrate is often associated with someone "getting under one’s skin" through annoyance?
- [x] Bug
- [ ] Fish
- [ ] Bird
- [ ] Snake
> **Explanation:** Bugs, like burrowing insects, are often associated with the irritation implied by "getting under someone’s skin."
May you dance lightly through life’s irritations, knowing that a little annoyance can sometimes lead to a beautiful connection. 🌟
