The phrase "set on edge" is an idiomatic expression that means to agitate, irritate, or disturb someone's feelings, emotions, or mood, specifically creating a sense of uneasiness or annoyance. When something or someone sets one's nerves or emotions on edge, it causes a state of tension, discomfort, or irritation.
This phrase could be used to describe situations where a person's patience or equilibrium is disrupted, causing them to feel on edge or uneasy. For example, a noisy environment, continuous interruptions, or constant disagreements may set one's nerves on edge. Similarly, the presence or behavior of someone annoying or irritating might set a person's mood on edge.
The term "set on edge" finds its origins in the imagery of a sharp object or rough surface, like the edge of a knife, causing a jarring or unpleasant sensation. The phrase implies that the individual's emotional or mental balance has been disrupted, as if their internal state has been made rough or jagged.
Overall, "set on edge" encompasses the idea of being emotionally or mentally unsettled or disturbed due to external factors. It conveys a sense of discomfort, unease, or annoyance, and is often used to describe situations or interactions that generate a state of tension or irritability.
