get a rise out of
Intentionally push buttons
To get a rise out of someone is to provoke a reaction from them, usually by teasing, needling, or saying something deliberately irritating: He kept making jokes about her accent just to get a rise out of her.
The phrase implies the provocateur enjoys watching the target lose composure.
The rise is the visible uptick in emotion—annoyance, anger, or flustered response.
- annoyCause mild irritation
- get under skinAnnoy profoundly and persistently
- provokeIncite a response
- ruffle feathersTo annoy or disturb
- arouseTo stimulate or excite
bother · irritate · anger · rile · antagonize · goad · needle · bait · miff · taunt · talk trash · excite · wind up · work up · instigate · tease · pull leg · push buttons
social intent
get a rise out ofbutter up
Flatter insincerely for advantage
win over · pour oil on troubled waters · bury the hatchet · charm