ruffle any feathers
Irritate or upset
To ruffle feathers is to disturb or irritate people, especially by challenging established ways or saying something provocative.
The image comes from birds whose smooth plumage becomes disordered when agitated.
Often appears in the negative: She managed to implement the changes without ruffling any feathers.
His blunt comments ruffled a few feathers in the department.
- stir the potDeliberately create or prolong conflict
- make wavesCause a disturbance
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- step on toesOffend by intruding
annoyance · upheaval · tactlessness · rock the boat · upset the apple cart · cause a stir · irritation · misunderstanding · frustration · anger · confrontation · provocation · discord · dissent · friction · controversy · criticism · awkwardness
ruffle any featherskeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
pour oil on troubled waters · soothe · placate · appease · mollify
ruffle any feathersgo along to get along
Conform to preserve relationships
play it safe · toe the line · bite one's tongue · keep one's head down · stay in one's lane
ruffle, ruffled, ruffling, ruffles, feather, feathers, feathered, feathering, feathery