Strike a chord
Meaning
To evoke a strong emotional response or to resonate deeply with someone's feelings, opinions, or experiences.
Origin
The phrase's roots are firmly embedded in the world of music. When a musician plays several notes together in harmony, they are literally 'striking' a 'chord' that produces a resonant, often pleasing sound. By the 19th century, this literal action began to take on a powerful figurative meaning. Just as certain musical harmonies can deeply affect a listener, the idea evolved to describe anything that stirs strong emotions, evokes a sense of recognition, or resonates with someone's inner feelings or beliefs. The phrase elegantly bridges the physical act of music-making with the intangible realm of human emotion.
Examples
- The speaker's passionate plea for environmental protection truly struck a chord with the audience.
- Her new song, which described overcoming adversity, struck a chord with listeners around the world.