ruffle some feathers

ruffle some feathers

To do something which annoys, irritates, or upsets other people. I know my presentation about the effects of climate change are going to ruffle some feathers, but I have got to raise awareness about this issue! Harry's bombastic, arrogant demeanor tends to ruffle some feathers, but he's a decent guy at heart.
See also: feather, ruffle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • ruffle a few feathers
  • ruffle somebody's/a few 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
Louise Hughes, a Gwynedd county councillor since 2008, has been selected to fight the Dwyfor Meirionnydd seat for the anti-EU party - and she admitted her decision might "ruffle some feathers".
'I am sorry if my words here today will ruffle some feathers. That is not my intention.
"I'm just going to go to Cardiff and enjoy the atmosphere and hopefully ruffle some feathers in the World Championship."
(thefragranceshop.co.uk) RUFFLE some feathers this summer.
As a centre forward you can't be afraid to ruffle some feathers and he does that but he's much more than a bruiser.
She said she expected the vid to "ruffle some feathers", causing people to feel uncomfortable or peeved.
Ruffle some feathers in a Rare black dress, pounds 32, at Topshop, left.
Who has said his autobiography detailing the "soap opera" of New Labour is sure to "ruffle some feathers"?
Shaw will play feisty and flirty Eve Birch, the granddaughter of battle-axe Edna, who will ruffle some feathers in the village as she unleashes her charm on the men of Emmerdale.
''I WAS put in to ruffle some feathers. I've deflowered many virgins.
A Granada source said: "Stacey is only in a short time but her character is sure to ruffle some feathers.
DANIELLE LLOYD: The glamour girl's upcoming tell-all book is set to ruffle some feathers in the celebrity world.
RUFFLE some feathers with this statement clutch, pounds 20, left, from Aldo - www.aldoshoes.com.
They decided the cult figure's performance of Irelande Douze Pointe - a parody of Eurovision - would be the one to ruffle some feathers at the song contest in May
A Granada source said: "Stacey is only in a short time but she is sure to ruffle some feathers.