Meaning
To provoke irritation, controversy, or strong negative reactions.
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSus comentarios racistas lograron __________ entre la audiencia.
La nueva política del gobierno promete __________ entre los grupos de oposición.
No quiero __________ con mis opiniones, pero siento que debo hablar.
🎉 Score: /3
The idiom 'levantar ampollas' literally translates to 'to raise blisters.' The origin of this phrase comes from the physical sensation of developing blisters due to friction or irritation, which is then metaphorically applied to situations that cause emotional or social irritation, controversy, or strong negative reactions. The imagery evokes something that is unpleasant and causes a noticeable, often painful, reaction. While the exact date of its coinage is not precisely documented, its usage reflects a long-standing understanding in Spanish culture of associating physical discomfort with emotional or social distress. It is a common and vivid expression used to describe the act of stirring up trouble or offending sensibilities.
