Grammar fix
push someone's buttons
exploit someone's triggers
To deliberately do or say things that you know will annoy or upset someone.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She knows exactly how to push my buttons, especially when we argue about money.
My sister knows how to push my buttons, but we normally calm down quickly and move on.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He knows how to push my button.
Say: He knows how to push my buttons.
The idiom normally uses the plural 'buttons'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Annoy someone on purpose
How provocativeTeasingTargeted irritation
wind upEspecially British: deliberately tease or annoy someone.get a rise out of someoneDeliberately provoke an angry or irritated reaction.
push someone's buttonsYou're here · Provoke someone by exploiting things you know upset them.