raised hackles
Fur standing up
Raised hackles originally describes the erectile hairs along an animal's neck and back that stand up when the animal feels threatened or aggressive—visible in angry dogs and cats.
In figurative use, something that raises hackles or gets hackles up provokes anger, defensiveness, or indignation: Her comments about immigration raised hackles among conservatives.
The image suggests an instinctive, bristling reaction to perceived threat or offense.
- bristlingStanding stiffly outward
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- threatIndication of potential harm
- bared teethVisible fangs, often threatening
- furAnimal body hair
dog · wolf · alpha dog · snarl · defensive · anger · fear · fight or flight · hostile · on edge · spine · warning · back off · show of force · growl · tense · hackled · feathers
- dominance displaysdisplay, alpha behavior, power stance, chest puffing, baring teeth
raised hacklescalm
Free from agitation
relaxed posture · relaxation · composure · tranquility · serenity
raised hacklesopen arms
Welcoming body language
friendly disposition · warm welcome · receptiveness · approachability · olive branch
raised, raise, raises, raising, raiser, raisers, hackle, hackles