strike a nerve 

to distress somebody through commentary

Did I strike a nerve when I called him a boob?

strike a nerve by thunderdog August 23, 2006

strike a nerve 

It's when your being cocky in a fight and someone hits you say:

Well, that stuck a nerve.

to show that, "oh look, i could hardly tell but i think this chap wants to fight me...."

strike a nerve by jason May 13, 2005