Example: Je moet voorzichtig zijn, want dat raakt een open zenuw.
Definition
"Een open zenuw raken" means to touch on a sensitive or painful topic that causes emotional discomfort or distress. It often refers to provoking a strong, negative reaction because the subject is unresolved or personally significant to someone.
Translations
to hit a sensitive nerve
tocar un punto sensible
tocar un punt sensible
toucher un point sensible
einen wunden Punkt treffen
toccare un nervo scoperto
tocar numa ferida aberta
Etymology
The phrase "een open zenuw raken" literally translates to 'touching an open nerve' in Dutch. It originates from the idea that nerves are sensitive, and touching an injured or exposed nerve causes pain. Metaphorically, it describes addressing something emotionally sensitive. Did you know this vivid expression accurately conveys emotional pain much like physical pain?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Een open zenuw raken" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to hit a sensitive nerve