Meaning of poke the bear | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To deliberately aggravate somebody, especially somebody in a position of power or authority.
   US, idiomatic
2. To deliberately anger Russia or the Russian government.
   idiomatic, slang

Examples

“Throughout my training I witnessed several doctors run⟳ out of town because their honesty and outspokenness began to poke the bear⟳.”

“His advice to Zuckerberg, the Times later reported, was “Don’t poke the bear⟳”—avoid⟳ incurring the wrath of Trump and his supporters.”

CEFR level