Meaning of ruffle some feathers | Babel Free

Definitions

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

figuratively, informal

Examples

“Any frank discussion of politics is sure to ruffle some feathers.”

“They were all aware that there had lately been some discussion which had ruffled the feathers of the aristocracy […] He had, indeed, no wish to ruffle the feathers of gentlemen who might render assistance to them; and if he could stand between the two parties, and make peace, most happy would he be to do so.”

“Plainclothes vice squad detectives played the [gay] bars and waited to be propositioned, or asked out, or something, and bang! According to those old enough to remember […] the police found themselves arresting legislators, employees of the mayor's office, and even some off-duty cops. So many prominent feathers were ruffled that it was decided that Beantown's police had better tend to more important, but less personally risky, endeavors.”

“Asking multiple territorial sales teams to share ideas and resources ruffled feathers.”

CEFR level