1
general::
Irritate, annoy, as in His remarks about welfare rubbed a great many people the wrong way. This idiom alludes to rubbing an animal's fur in the wrong direction. [Mid-1800s] Also see RUFFLE SOMEONE'S FEATHERS.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): rub someone(‘s fur) the wrong way
Fig. to irritate someone. • I’m sorry I rubbed your fur the wrong way. I didn’t mean to upset you. • Don’t rub her the wrong way!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs