Phrasal verbs

To evoke a strong emotional reaction, such as anger, sadness, or disgust, upon being encountered, heard, read, etc. Your column must have hit a nerve, because we are getting slammed with feedback from readers—and they're not happy. I could tell he was hitting a raw nerve when he brought up Jane's former employer and Jane went silent for a moment. hit a (raw) nerve

initiate the briefest investigation to discover something concealed. " Even that problem alone is hard enough—and we have only scratched the surface.”

only if absolutely necessary Example Sentences: A: Is it true that you can stop someone from bleeding by squeezing them? B: Yes, that will work in a pinch, but it’s better to take them to a hospital. In a pinch, you can use ketchup, but it’s better to use fresh tomatoes.