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ruffle feathers

idiom

Definition of ruffle feathers

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.

Word by Word Definitions

ruffle play

  1. : roughen, abrade

  2. : trouble, vex

  3. : to erect in or like a ruff : to cause to rise or bristle

  1. : commotion, brawl

  2. : a state or cause of irritation

  3. : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

  1. : a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

See the full definition of ruffle
feather play feathers

  1. : any of the light, horny, epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds

  2. : plume

  3. : the vane of an arrow

  1. : to furnish (something, such as an arrow) with a feather

  2. : to cover, clothe, or adorn with or as if with feathers

  3. : to turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal when lifting from the water at the end of a stroke to reduce air resistance

See the full definition of feather

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