Reopen old wounds
verb phrase
To bring up or talk about a painful or difficult past event.
I didn't mean to reopen old wounds by discussing our father. I'm sorry if I upset you.
Often appears as...
- don't reopen old wounds
- trying to reopen old wounds
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To bring up or talk about a painful or difficult past event.
I didn't mean to reopen old wounds by discussing our father. I'm sorry if I upset you.
Often appears as...
- don't reopen old wounds
- trying to reopen old wounds
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often relates to emotional pain so use it sensitively to avoid upsetting someone.
I steered the conversation away to not reopen old wounds related to her divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Remember, this phrase is usually a metaphor for emotional, not physical, pain.
Discussing the failed project might reopen old wounds for the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Caution
Use it when acknowledging that a subject might cause distress by reminding someone of the past.
Before we delve into this topic any further, I want to be careful not to reopen old wounds.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often relates to emotional pain so use it sensitively to avoid upsetting someone.
I steered the conversation away to not reopen old wounds related to her divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Remember, this phrase is usually a metaphor for emotional, not physical, pain.
Discussing the failed project might reopen old wounds for the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Caution
Use it when acknowledging that a subject might cause distress by reminding someone of the past.
Before we delve into this topic any further, I want to be careful not to reopen old wounds.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often relates to emotional pain so use it sensitively to avoid upsetting someone.
I steered the conversation away to not reopen old wounds related to her divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Remember, this phrase is usually a metaphor for emotional, not physical, pain.
Discussing the failed project might reopen old wounds for the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Caution
Use it when acknowledging that a subject might cause distress by reminding someone of the past.
Before we delve into this topic any further, I want to be careful not to reopen old wounds.
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