IdiomFood & Drink
Filipino
FilipinoBalat-sibuyas
Meaning: Overly sensitive and easily hurt.
Literally: Onion-skinned
Example: “Huwag mo siyang biruin, balat-sibuyas siya.” — Don't tease him; he's very thin-skinned.
English equivalent: Thin-skinned
Origin: "Onion skin": an onion's skin is paper-thin and tears at a touch. Someone balat-sibuyas is easily hurt or offended. The phrase is common Filipino and has no particular story behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
English: thin-skinned
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