Rubble Someone's Feathers Idiom Meaning

Meaning of Idiom ‘Ruffle Someone’s Feathers’

To ruffle someone’s feathers means to upset, annoy, or anger them. ¹,²,³

Sentence Examples

“Boy, that comment you made about deodorant really ruffled Bob’s feathers!”

“Ron seemed upset at lunch today,” said Henry. “Yeah, something Mick said really ruffled his feathers.”

“I have a friend, I’m spending time away from the house and it’s got your feathers ruffled. You are jealous of Charlie.” — Reign Over Me (2007)

“Thing of it is, Branch, uh, this CYO, they buy a lot of seats, they draw a lot of water, and I can’t afford to ruffle their feathers.” — 42 (2013)

“But I think that’s what good investigative reporting does. It ruffles feathers.” — Kill the Messenger (2014)

“How’s our boy doing? lf he doesn’t ruffle too many feathers, he’ll be the next prime minister.” — What a Girl Wants (2003)

“I didn’t think it possible that you could find an XO meaner than Saul Tigh.” “Yeah, she’s tough, but I think we need it tough.” “Any ruffled feathers?” “Well, she and Kara don’t exactly get along.” — Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007)

“Either I turn my back on Cathy or I stand behind her.” “It’s got to be the former.” “I agree. If you don’t apologize, you go from ruffling feathers to plucking them.” — House of Cards: Chapter 15 (2014)

Origin

Used since the mid-1800s, this idiom alludes to how a bird’s feathers, especially around the neck, stand upright and puff up. Birds might ruffle their feathers for different reasons, including warmth, in greeting, or even because they are ill. Some birds may also this to attract mates and show territoriality (Amazons and Cockatoos especially). This idiom originated in the mistaken belief that ruffled feathers were always a sign of agitation and anger in birds.

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