ruffle feathers
idiom
informal
: to upset or offend people
Her research has been ruffling feathers for years.
His critical remarks ruffled the feathers of the board members.
I agreed to do what they wanted because I didn't want to ruffle any feathers.
Examples of ruffle feathers in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Guadagnino doesn’t seem to care if presenting a flawed gay character will ruffle feathers.
—
Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
As Jacob Whitehead writes, the firm doesn’t half ruffle feathers.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
The firm was no longer hiring Don Draper types who ruffle feathers and take creative risks.
—Michael Morris, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
Under normal circumstances, Trump’s claims could ruffle feathers across the pond.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ruffle feathers
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Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
As Jacob Whitehead writes, the firm doesn’t half ruffle feathers.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
The firm was no longer hiring Don Draper types who ruffle feathers and take creative risks.
—Michael Morris, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
Under normal circumstances, Trump’s claims could ruffle feathers across the pond.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ruffle feathers
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle feathers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle%20feathers. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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