raise (some/a few) eyebrows
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 some eyebrows
and raise a few eyebrowsFig. to shock or surprise people mildly (by doing or saying something). (Some can be replaced with a few, someone's, a lot of, etc.) What you just said may raise some eyebrows, but it shouldn't make anyone really angry. John's sudden marriage to Ann raised a few eyebrows.
See also: eyebrow, raise
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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.
- cause (some) eyebrows to raise
- cause eyebrows to raise and cause some raised eyebrows
- cause raised eyebrows
- cause some raised eyebrows
- eyebrow
- raise some eyebrows
- keel over
- any (one) worth (one's) salt
- young man
- walk off