reopen old wounds
The idiom "reopen old wounds" metaphorically compares emotional or psychological pain to physical wounds that can heal but remain sensitive if revisited.
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Definition
C1Emotional
(figurative)To bring up past painful experiences, causing renewed emotional distress.
Example
- Talking about the accident only served to reopen old wounds for her.
C1Psychological
(figurative)To remind someone of a previous hurtful event, leading to renewed psychological pain.
Example
- Discussing their divorce will just reopen old wounds.