The idiom “Get on one’s nerves” means: To annoy or irritate someone (किसी को चिढ़ाना या परेशान करना)
To cause someone to feel frustrated, angry, or uncomfortable (किसी को खिन्न, गुस्से या असहज महसूस कराना)
To provoke negative feelings in someone, often by repeated behavior (किसी को नकारात्मक भावनाएँ उत्पन्न करना, विशेषकर बार-बार होने वाली गतिविधियों द्वारा)
This phrase is often used when someone or something is causing a person to become irritated or upset, typically through actions that are repetitive or bothersome. It reflects the feeling of being disturbed or stressed out by something that continually annoys.
Hindi Equivalent:
“चिढ़ मचाना” (To irritate)
“तंग करना” (To bother or trouble)
“गुस्सा दिलाना” (To make someone angry or upset)
Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when: Someone’s actions or behavior are repeatedly annoying or frustrating
Describing situations where one feels irritated by something or someone
Referring to repetitive behavior that causes distress or discomfort in another person
Common contexts: Annoying habits, ongoing disturbances, personal conflicts, noisy environments, bothersome behavior
Real-Life Examples
Noisy Neighbor
English: “The constant sound of their dog barking is really getting on my nerves!”
Hindi: “उनके कुत्ते के लगातार भौंकने की आवाज़ मुझे सचमुच चिढ़ मचाती है!”
Annoying Habits
English: “Her constant texting during meetings gets on my nerves.”
Hindi: “बैठकों के दौरान लगातार उसका टेक्स्टिंग करना मुझे तंग करता है।”
Frustrating Behavior
English: “His incessant complaining about everything is really starting to get on my nerves.”
Hindi: “हर चीज़ पर उसकी निरंतर शिकायतें सचमुच मुझे तंग करने लगी हैं।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ It highlights how repeated, irritating actions or behaviors can negatively affect relationships and mental peace
✓ It reflects the universal feeling of frustration that comes from being bothered by something persistent
✓ It is a way of expressing annoyance without resorting to harsh words, as it focuses on the action rather than the person
When to Use This Phrase: When describing someone or something that is causing irritation or frustration
When talking about annoying habits or behaviors that are persistent
In conversations about dealing with stress or discomfort caused by others
Usage Tips This idiom is used in informal contexts, often during casual conversations or when venting about irritation
It’s important to use this phrase carefully, as it can express strong negative feelings about someone or something
It’s often used to describe things that annoy a person repeatedly, not just once or twice
Similar Expressions
English | Hindi |
---|---|
“Get under someone’s skin” | “किसी के रग-रग में समाना” |
“Drive someone up the wall” | “किसी को पागल कर देना” |
“Rub someone the wrong way” | “किसी को गलत तरीके से छेड़ना” |
Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In many Western cultures, “getting on someone’s nerves” is a common expression used to describe frustration or irritation caused by actions or behavior that are repetitive or bothersome. It is often used in both casual and professional settings.
Indian Context: In India, this idiom is used to describe situations where people are irritated by something that is ongoing or persistent. The idea of being annoyed by someone’s behavior, such as loud conversations or repeated requests, is often a source of frustration in both personal and public spaces.
Global Relevance: This idiom is widely used across cultures and languages. The feeling of irritation or annoyance is universal, and this phrase has been adopted in various parts of the world to describe that emotional response to repeated disturbances.
Reflection Questions:
- What’s the most recent thing that got on your nerves?
- How do you handle situations when something is getting on your nerves?
- How does the behavior of others impact your mood or productivity?