pushing buttons
Triggering someone's temper
Pushing buttons means deliberately provoking someone by exploiting their known sensitivities or triggers: He knows exactly how to push my buttons.
The phrase evokes a control panel where specific inputs produce predictable reactions.
Someone who pushes your buttons knows which topics, tones, or behaviors will reliably irritate or upset you.
Often implies manipulation or teasing rather than accidental offense.
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- clickingMaking short sharp sounds
- annoyingCausing mild irritation
- provokingCausing a reaction
- irritatingCausing mild frustration
getting a rise · triggering · elevator · control panel · keyboard · remote · control · arcade cabinet · tactile · switch · mechanical · satisfying · arcade · video game · joystick · panel · console · dial
- figurative actionsburning bridges, biting tongue, burying hatchet, cutting ties, jumping ship
- teasingtease, teasing, rib, ribbing, josh
pushing buttonssoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
calming · comforting · reassuring · calming down · defusing
pushing buttonsleaving alone
Ceasing to disturb
giving space · backing off · building up · affirming · validating
pushing buttonskeeping the peace
Maintaining order and calm
making peace · pouring oil on troubled waters · building bridges · burying the hatchet · walking on eggshells
push, pushed, pushes, pusher, pushers, pushy, pushiness, button, buttons