pokes the bear
Antagonizes the dangerous
Pokes the bear means to provoke or antagonize someone, often unwisely, leading to potential conflict or retaliation: You're pokes the bear if you keep bringing up that sensitive topic with him.
- teaseMock playfully
- push buttonsDeliberately provoke irritation
- tauntInsulting provocation
- dareChallenge to act boldly
- prodJab to spur action
gamble · dispute · jab · tempt fate · hazard · thin ice · quarrel · miscalculate · jeopardize · clash · instigate · pick a fight · venture · backlash · rile · stir the pot · feud · altercation
pokes the bearlets sleeping dogs lie
Avoids reopening settled matters
walks on eggshells · bites one's tongue · keeps one's head down · backs off · keeps a low profile
pokes the bearpours oil on troubled waters
Eases strife between parties
keeps the peace · de-escalates · makes peace · placates · appeases
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