Prick your conscience

usgb
phrase

To make you feel guilty.

When he saw the homeless man on the street, it pricked his conscience and he decided to donate some money.
Visual representation of "prick your conscience" - to make you feel guilty

Often appears as...

  • something suddenly pricked his/their conscience
  • prick your/the conscience deeply

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "prick your conscience"
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Metaphorical Sting

The phrase suggests a sharp mental discomfort as if conscience has been physically stung.

Illustration for Metaphorical Sting
Cheating in the exam pricked his conscience for weeks.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Trigger

It is used when an action or event triggers a feeling of guilt or remorse.

Illustration for Emotional Trigger
Lying to her parents really pricked her conscience.
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Reflective Moments

Often used to describe a moment of reflection that causes a change of heart or behavior.

Illustration for Reflective Moments
Ignoring the charity appeal pricked his conscience later on.
Visual representation of the word "Prick your conscience"

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