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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Under normal circumstances, Trump’s claims could ruffle feathers across the pond. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 23 Oct. 2024 Still, a gig’s a gig, and a lady doesn’t want to ruffle feathers. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024 At the same time, Vance uses his platform in the Senate to ruffle feathers and capitalize on hot-button debates of the day. —

Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2024 Miami always has the option to place the franchise tag on Tagovailoa for up to two years that follow this fifth season, but that would only further ruffle feathers. —

David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ruffle feathers

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“Ruffle feathers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle%20feathers. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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