open zenuw

Dutch

Etymology

Literally, “open/exposed nerve”

Noun

open zenuw f (plural open zenuwen, diminutive open zenuwtje n)

  1. (idiomatic) A sensitive, painful issue
    De oorlog blijft een open zenuw in het publieke debat. ― The war remains a painful issue in the public debate.
    De opmerking van de politicus raakte een open zenuw. ― The politician's remark touched a nerve. (literally, “The politician's remark hit an exposed nerve.”)
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