raw nerve
English
[edit]Noun
[edit]raw nerve (plural raw nerves)
- Something about which one is uncomfortable or unconfident, which causes strong reaction when discussed or otherwise addressed.
- 1990 February 4, Chrystos, “Headaches And Ruminations”, in Gay Community News, volume 17, number 29, page 9:
- When this last lover took off with all my power tools, I was outraged although I much wanted to act like it didn't matter, and I have embarrassed everyone around me by complaining about the phone bill, etc. I know that I am definitely not supposed to talk about this in any article, which is why I am doing it. These are the raw nerves under our mistrust of one another. […] When I try to fight about money with over class [i.e. higher-class] lovers I've already lost and I know it.