raise eyebrows

Related to raise eyebrows: raise some eyebrows

raise (one's) eyebrows

1. To lift one's eyebrows in a display of shock, surprise, or offense. She raised her eyebrows at the idea, but after I went through the details of the plan, she was agreed to support it.
2. To elicit shock, surprise, or offense, typically through unconventional actions or words. The phrase typically suggests negative attention or judgment. Her irreverent chatter during the ceremony raised many people's eyebrows. Sarah's pink hair definitely raised a few eyebrows, but if she likes it, then that's all that matters.
See also: eyebrow, raise

raise (some/a few) eyebrows

To elicit shock, surprise, or offense, typically through unconventional actions or words. The phrase typically suggests negative attention or judgment. Her irreverent chatter during the ceremony raised eyebrows. My best friend's pink hair definitely raised a few eyebrows at our very strict school.
See also: eyebrow, raise
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

raise eyebrows

COMMON If something that someone does raises eyebrows, it surprises, shocks, or offends people. The size of his salary has certainly raised eyebrows. His outspoken comments raised a few eyebrows at the meeting. Note: You can also say that something causes raised eyebrows. Her articles have caused some raised eyebrows over the years.
See also: eyebrow, raise
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

raise eyebrows

To cause surprise or mild disapproval.
See also: eyebrow, raise
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • raise (one's) eyebrows
  • raise your eyebrows
  • raised
  • out of wedlock
  • out(side) of wedlock
  • cause
  • knit (one's) eyebrows
  • grow in
  • mop-top
  • be written all over your face
References in periodicals archive
Florida Keys outfitter Sandy Moret says bonefish sizes have increased in recent years and 13-pound fish no longer raise eyebrows. The large size of bonefish in the Islamorada area, he believes, is due to prevalent catch-and-release fishing practices and the abundance of turtle grass, a prime habitat for bonefish foods.
RECORD KEYS BONEFISH
Revealing the choice of this year's recipients, the Washington Post reported: "This year some will raise eyebrows at the choice of Connery, a staunch Scot who has never lived in America."
America honours our Sean
Typically the only federal government watchdogs that raise eyebrows at covert propaganda are inspectors general and the Government Accountability Office, both of which can spring into action only at the request of a member of Congress.
Pundit payola: accidental propagandists
Despite an eccentric mixture of street-smart realism, fantastic adventure, and confessional charge, their work has the capacity not only to raise eyebrows but also, on occasion, to raise "issues" as well.
Gilbert & George: Lehmann Maupin/Sonnabend Gallery
The use of Desailly would raise eyebrows across the Channel, where Paris are also on the shortlist.
Football: Desailly set to sign for London?
But comic Eddie Izzard, right, is unlikely to raise eyebrows dressed as a woman.
GIRL FRIENDS
The 23-year-old's display will raise eyebrows at LEICESTERSHIRE who let him go in 1999 after the fast bowler's back problems.
Cricket: Kirby in fast lane