get under skin


get under (one's) skin

1. To become a source of irritation. I just can't stand Dean's voice, so everything he says gets under my skin.2. To be a source of obsession. I can't get that beautiful girl I met earlier off my mind. She's just gotten under my skin.3. To gain a rich, thorough understanding of one. A: "How did you know he would make that decision?" B: "Oh, I feel like I've gotten under his skin since we've been spending so much time together lately."See also: get, skin

get under someone's skin

Fig. to bother or irritate someone. John is so annoying. He really gets under my skin. I know he's bothersome, but don't let him get under your skin.See also: get, skin

get under (someone's) skin

1. To irritate or stimulate; provoke.2. To preoccupy someone; become an obsession.See also: get, skin

get under someone's skin, to

To annoy someone. This expression no doubt alludes to the irritation caused by burrowing insects, which can cause intense itching. Cole Porter, however, used the expression quite differently in his song, “I’ve Got You under My Skin” (from Born to Dance, 1936), which describes a romantic addiction to a person rather than an insect infestation or a persistent annoyance.See also: get