ruffled some feathers
Provoked minor irritation
To ruffle feathers is to annoy or upset people, especially by challenging their comfort or authority.
The image is of a bird whose smooth plumage has been disturbed: Her comments about the budget ruffled some feathers in the finance department.
The expression often implies the disruption was minor or that those upset are being oversensitive.
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- made wavesCaused notable disturbance
- provocationAct that triggers response
- stirred the potIntentionally provoked discord
- annoyanceState of being bothered
bluntness · spoke out of turn · apology · disagreement · irritation · got under skin · backlash · tactlessness · alienation · resentment · candor · directness · crossed a line · frustration · confrontation · reconciliation · offense · hurt feelings
ruffled some featherspoured oil on troubled waters
Eased a tense situation
made peace · built bridges · mended fences · cleared the air · kept the peace
ruffled some featherswent along to get along
Complied to avoid friction
toed the line · played it safe · kept a low profile · stayed in one's lane · played ball
ruffled some feathersmade friends
Established new companionships
curried favor · played nice · sucked up · kowtowed · brown-nosed
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