English Explanatory Dictionary

ruffle some feathers

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cause a disturbance; to arouse resentment, anger, or concern.

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-ruffle some feathers.wav

Word forms

ruffle some feathers ruffles some feathers ruffling some feathers ruffled some feathers ruffle a few feathers ruffle feathers ruffle any feathers

Etymology

Evoking the image of roosters, who ruffle their neck feathers when threatened. OED's earliest attestation is from 1829. Perhaps a variant of an earlier phrase "ruffle the tempers", attested since at least 1722.

Synonyms

cause a stir make waves poke the bear

Related words

ruffle someone's feathers
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