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 law ruffled feathers at a few of the 236 polling sites in Maricopa County on July 21. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Archer, which has already attracted criticism from public safety advocates over its role in the overcrowded airspace, will likely also ruffle feathers for advancing a violent technology. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Nandy’s intervention is likely to ruffle feathers in the White House. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026

People follow accounts that take positions, make claims, and occasionally ruffle feathers. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for ruffle feathers

• leathers
• tethers
• weathers
• wethers