GRATE ON Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "grate on" is a phrasal verb that is used to describe an action that greatly irritates or annoys someone. It refers to a continuous and repetitive behavior, often characterized by a harsh, unpleasant sound or action, that can wear down a person's patience or cause discomfort.
The term "grate" is derived from the Latin word "gratiare," meaning "to scrape." In this context, it denotes the repetitive and irritating nature of the action. When something "grates on" someone, it implies that it continues to cause annoyance or irritation over an extended period of time. This action can range from mundane, everyday habits, such as loud chewing or pen tapping, to more significant issues, such as consistent criticism or nagging.
For example, the sound of nails on a chalkboard can grate on someone's nerves due to its high-pitched and unpleasant nature. Similarly, a colleague's constant complaining or repetitive jokes may grate on one's patience, causing frustration or annoyance.
In summary, the phrase "grate on" refers to the action of deeply irritating or annoying someone through continuous and repetitive behavior. It captures the idea of a persistent, unpleasant occurrence that wears down an individual's patience or causes discomfort.
Common Misspellings for GRATE ON
- gratton
- frate on
- vrate on
- brate on
- hrate on
- yrate on
- geate on
- gdate on
- gfate on
- gtate on
- g5ate on
- g4ate on
- grzte on
- grste on
- grwte on
- grqte on
- grare on
- grafe on
- grage on
- graye on
Etymology of GRATE ON
The phrase "grate on" is derived from the verb "grate", which can be traced back to the Middle English word "gretan", meaning "to weep" or "to lament". This Middle English term originated from the Old English word "grǣtan", which had the same meaning. Over time, the meaning of "grate" expanded to include the sense of causing irritation or annoyance. Thus, the phrase "grate on" evolved to mean to annoy or irritate consistently or persistently.
Idioms with the word GRATE ON
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grate on someone
The idiom "grate on someone" means to annoy, irritate, or bother someone continuously over time. It often refers to behaviors, actions, or qualities that are repetitive and wearisome, gradually causing frustration or discomfort.
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grate on sth
The idiom "grate on sth" means to irritate or annoy someone continuously or repeatedly. It can refer to a situation where something or someone causes slight but persistent annoyance or agitation.
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grate on sm
The idiom "grate on someone" means to irritate or annoy someone persistently or repeatedly. It implies that something or someone's actions, behavior, or presence are rubbing against the person's nerves, causing frustration or discomfort.
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grate on something
The idiom "grate on something" typically means to irritate or annoy someone continually or persistently.
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grate on someone('s nerves)
The idiom "grate on someone's nerves" means to annoy or irritate someone continuously and intensely, causing them to feel frustrated or irritated.
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grate on sm('s nerves)
The idiom "grate on someone's nerves" means to irritate or annoy someone consistently or continually. It refers to a person or behavior that becomes increasingly bothersome, causing frustration or agitation.
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get/grate on sb's nerves
This idiom means to irritate or annoy someone consistently and continuously.
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