ruffling some feathers
Stirring up trouble
Ruffling some feathers means causing annoyance or offense, typically by challenging established ways or people's comfort zones.
The image comes from birds whose feathers stand up when disturbed.
The phrase usually implies the disruption is minor or justified: Her proposal ruffled some feathers in the department, but it passed anyway.
Often appears as ruffle a few feathers.
- taboo-breakingViolating sacred prohibitions
- crossing the lineExceeding acceptable boundaries
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- upheavalViolent disturbance of order
irritation · nonconformity · confrontation · annoyance · faux pas · speaking out of turn · provocation · dissent · friction · antagonism · stirring the pot · making waves · rocking the boat · subversion · discord · instigation · controversy · insensitivity
ruffling some featherskeeping the peace
Maintaining order and calm
pouring oil on troubled waters · making nice · building bridges · mending fences · mollifying
ruffling some feathersgoing along to get along
Conforming to maintain relationships
toeing the line · playing it safe · falling in line · going with the flow · conforming
ruffle, ruffled, ruffles, feather, feathers, feathered, feathering, feathery