taking umbrage
Bristling at insult
Taking umbrage is feeling offended or resentful, often at a perceived slight or insult.
The phrase suggests wounded pride or dignity: She took umbrage at the suggestion that her work was derivative.
Someone who takes umbrage may be justifiably upset or oversensitive—the phrase itself is neutral on whether the offense was real or imagined.
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- poutSulky facial expression
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- wounded prideDamaged self-regard from offense
hurt feelings · bruised ego · indignation · scowl · pique · huff · ruffled feathers · conflict · anger · bristle · misunderstanding · grievance · sore point · snub · insult · affront · feel slighted · defensiveness
taking umbragetaking it in stride
keeping one's cool · rolling with the punches · water off a duck's back · letting it go
take, takes, taken, taker, taking, umbrage, umbra, umbral, umbrella