what a nerve! | you've got a nerve

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase what a nerve! | you've got a nerve

Meaning

You can say this if someone's being brave, esp. if they're challenging someone in authority or asserting their rights.

For example

  • "What a nerve! Coming into my office and complaining. Who do you think you are?"
    "I'm one of your underpaid workers, sir."

  • "I told him we'd go on strike if he didn't increase our pay."
    "Wow! You've got a nerve, talking to him like that. I wouldn't dare!"

Quick Quiz

After her lecture, my professor said "You've got nerve,

a. taking so many notes."

b. looking so tense all the time."

c. correcting me while I'm lecturing."
a) taking so many notes." b) looking so tense all the time." c) correcting me while I'm lecturing."

Contributor: Matt Errey