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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for ruffle feathers 
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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
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
See all Example Sentences for ruffle feathers
Dictionary Entries Near ruffle feathers
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle feathers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle%20feathers. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
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