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

Recent Examples on the Web

The Arizona project shows that Verma-Lallian, who has spent years breaking into the market, is not afraid to ruffle feathers in the ultimate hope of boosting the production pipeline. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Ford's crackdown ruffles feathers Indeed, Ford's crackdown on its rules for employee behavior has ignited some pushback recently. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Crying fowl The discovery of the mothballs ruffled feathers in the community. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Pickleball’s expansion has required the need, for example, for the sport to take over tennis courts in some places, ruffling feathers. — Sean Gregory, Time, 23 July 2026

Rhymes for ruffle feathers

• leathers
• tethers
• weathers
• wethers