ruffle feathers
phrase
informal
: to upset or offend someone
Her research has been ruffling feathers [=upsetting people] for years.
His critical remarks are sure to ruffle some feathers.
Examples of ruffle feathers in a Sentence
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Nandy’s intervention is likely to ruffle feathers in the White House.
—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle feathers
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Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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