to intentionally annoy or provoke someone · to know exactly how to irritate someone
Ever feel like someone *knows* just what to say to get under your skin? 🤯 This is the perfect phrase for when someone deliberately brings up a sensitive topic or does something annoying to provoke a reaction. It's like they have a remote control for your emotions! 🕹️💢
💡 **Fun Fact!** This idiom likely comes from the idea of pushing an actual button to get a specific reaction from a machine, applied to human behavior. Think of it like a remote control for someone's temper! 😉 Remember, while it's often used for negative provocation, sometimes people accidentally push buttons too. Be mindful of others' sensitivities!
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'to push someone's buttons'? A. When someone intentionally brings up a sensitive topic to annoy you. B. When you are encouraging a friend to relax and enjoy themselves. C. When you are complimenting a coworker on their excellent work.