ruffle a few feathers

ruffle a few feathers

To do something which annoys, irritates, or upsets other people. I know my presentation about the effects of climate change is going to ruffle a few feathers, but I have got to raise awareness about this issue! Harry's bombastic, arrogant demeanor tends to ruffle a few feathers, but he's a decent guy at heart.
See also: feather, few, ruffle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ruffle somebody’s/a few ˈfeathers

(informal) annoy somebody by doing something that upsets and disturbs them: All this talk of a strike has clearly ruffled the management’s feathers. OPPOSITE: smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers
This refers to the way the wind disturbs the smooth surface of a bird’s feathers so that they stick out.
See also: feather, few, ruffle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • ruffle somebody's/a few feathers
  • ruffle some feathers
  • direct (something) against (someone or something)
  • direct against
  • ruffle up
  • direct (something) at (someone or something)
  • direct at
  • disappoint
  • disappoint (someone or oneself) with (something)
  • disappoint with
References in periodicals archive
"It'll be good to have two pace lads in at the same time and to see if we can really ruffle a few feathers," said Wood.
Wood aims to have impact alongside Jof
GARETH Anscombe says Six Nations champions Wales have reason to believe they can "ruffle a few feathers" at the World Cup later this year.
Wales relishing Cup challenge; SPORT SHORTS RUGBY UNION
NEIL WARNOCK has dubbed Cardiff City's promotion 'my greatest achievement in football' and warned his Bluebirds are ready to ruffle a few feathers in the Premier League.
Warnock proves one of THE gr-eight-est of th em all plott ing cardiff's promotion
SCOTT Ruscoe wants his side to "ruffle a few feathers" as The New Saints look to overturn a 2-0 deficit in tonight's UEFA Champions League second qualifying round second leg against Croatian champions HNK Rijeka at Park Hal (7pm).
Ruscoe is urging his Saints to 'ruffle a few feathers'
The BBC radio DJ, 59, entered the camp two days ago and pals reckon he might ruffle a few feathers.
Danny wants to be the snake
"But we've actually got the England flag on our club badge so that might ruffle a few feathers!"
Newrivals maygeta LITTLECROSS
"But, if we can win, it would ruffle a few feathers, based on what the perception is of where our team is at and what we could possibly do this year."
Leeds aim to upset the title-chasers
Perch told the Chronicle: "We're going to go down there to ruffle a few feathers.
Buoyant Magpies are aiming to knock
STEVE Sidwell says Villa have to be prepared to add some steel to their game and "ruffle a few feathers" in the opening stages at Arsenal tomorrow.
We'll need some steel - Sidwell; VILLA NEWS
Poole's Leigh Adams and Ipswich's Scott Nicholls are the star attractions, and Coventry's Billy Janniro is sure to ruffle a few feathers.
Speedway: Final show for Wolves
The Fulham captain will earn his 54th cap against the Azzurri, and he hopes to ruffle a few feathers.
Football: FIT & READY
THERE'S a cosmopolitan cafe bar in Southport which is looking to ruffle a few feathers.
Cafe delight; OUT & ABOUT WITH ZORAN BLACKIE
In a move likely to ruffle a few feathers at Apple Computer Inc, Sotec Co has become the latest Asian PC manufacturer to crib design cues from the iMac with the release of its translucent e- one PC.
E-One Expected to Ruffle Apple's Feathers with 'iPC'
And while they are all common names of popular birds, it's still sure to ruffle a few feathers.
FORGET the hotly contested Presidential [...]; Christopher Bucktin's America THE BUCK STOPS HERE
TWIN Atlantic will ruffle a few feathers with their cheeky T in the Park T-shirt - featuring an osprey.
Rockers ruffle feathers with new tee for T