All idioms
idiom

hit a sour note

HIT ah SOW-er NOHT

hɪt ə ˈsaʊər noʊt

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

hitasournote

Dictionary meaning

To do or say something that creates an unpleasant or awkward impression.

Examples

  • The off-colour joke at the awards ceremony hit a sour note with many in the audience.

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