strike a sour note
To indicate, introduce, or allude to something particularly unfortunate, unpleasant, or disagreeable. You definitely struck a sour note when you brought up Dan's ex-girlfriends during your best man speech.
strike a sour note
and hit a sour noteFig. to signify something unpleasant. Jane's sad announcement struck a sour note at the annual banquet. News of the accident hit a sour note in our holiday celebration.
strike (or sound) a — note
express a feeling or view of a particular kind. 2000 Times John McCain …was expected to strike a hawkish note last night, calling for the upgrading of the Armed Forces.