Teeth on edge

Anything that tastes sour or sharp can set one’s teeth on edge by literally causing an unpleasant tingling sensation on the teeth. Edge is used here in the sense of sharpening, putting, or setting an edge on something, in this instance, the teeth. The expression is also used figuratively to denote irritation or annoyance. Its origin is the Bible Jeremiah 31:29 and Ezekiel 18:2, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Shakespeare used the expression in two of his plays: Henry IV Part I Act III, Scene I, “And that would set my teeth nothing on edge”. Winter’s Tale Act IV, Scene III, “Doth set my pugging tooth on edge.” Pugging here is an archaic word for foremost.