A fior di pelle

A fior di pelle
At the surface of the skin

This idiom means to be very sensitive or easily affected by emotions. It conveys the image of feelings being so close to the surface that they can be easily touched or triggered.

Esempi

1. Era così emozionato che aveva i nervi a fior di pelle. – He was so excited that his nerves were on edge.
2. La tensione era a fior di pelle durante l’esame. – The tension was palpable during the exam.
3. Ha reagito a fior di pelle a quella critica. – He reacted strongly to that criticism.