the fur flies

the fur flies

There is an argument. When the fur flies, I'm making myself scarce—there's no way I'm getting roped into a fight between those two. You can be sure that the fur will fly if the president vetoes the bill that both sides of congress worked so hard to pass.
See also: flies, fur
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the fur flies

If the fur flies, people argue very fiercely and angrily about something. The fur has been flying in Geneva this week, as the two contenders to be next head of the World Trade Organisation squared up to one another. If she ever finds out who did it then the fur will fly. Note: You can also say that someone or something sets the fur flying. A blazing row between Euro factions set the fur flying again on the Tory backbenches. Note: The image here is of animals tearing out each other's fur during a fight.
See also: flies, fur
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the fur will fly

there will be serious, perhaps violent, trouble. informal
This phrase originated in the early 19th century, in the US. The image is of a furious fight between dogs or cats.
See also: fly, fur, will
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be at a disadvantage
  • address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
  • address comments or remarks to
  • at a disadvantage
  • address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
  • be in it for
  • be more than (something)
  • be more than glad, ready, etc.
  • away from it all
  • be out of (one's) head
References in periodicals archive
Austin, TX, December 04, 2018 --(PR.com)-- As the Fur Flies is dedicated to making the grooming visit a pleasant one for any pet.
Cats have different grooming needs than dogs and that's why the staff at As the Fur Flies are experts in cat grooming as well.
Founder, Nancy Rich came up with the idea for As the Fur Flies when she was a student at the Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology over 16 years ago.
As the Fur Flies Pet Grooming Salon Now Open - Austin's Cats and Dogs Pampered by Grooming Experts
Wilson was also involved in the tunnel bust-up which cast a shadow over the win and new footage shows England star Owen Farrell making a beeline for him just before the fur flies.
Wilson's sweating onban forclash
NEW footage of the Calcutta Cup bust-up shows Owen Farrell making a beeline for Ryan Wilson immediately before the fur flies.
DID FAZ SPARK TUNNEL RUCK? Faz at fault in new film
The fur flies as the feline faction, led by Mr Tinkles, squares off against wide-eyed puppy Lou and his fearsome canine cohorts 2001 ***
YOUR FILM GUIDE
The fur flies as woodland creatures enter into a battle of epic proportions to defend their home.
Tree-mendous animal magic; NOW SHOWING
IT IS in the nature of the relationship between the racing press and the sport's major players that every now and again diplomatic relations break down and the fur flies.
Alastair Down on Wednesday: Diplomatic breakdown that could easily be set to rights
If the fur flies today at the special meeting of the Greens, and if this Government collapses, among other things by the activities of a fifth column of animal rights activists, we will have a general election in the midst of the most serious economic meltdown since the foundation of this State.
Election is a race we don't need
However, he could prove valuable in the house when the fur flies. He played peacemaker during another reality TV show five years ago.
Don't cry Ziggy, here comes the cavalry; BIG BROTHER SENDS THE BOYS IN
The fur flies as Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell and rival Pat Evans swap punches in a special episode showing Walford's blonde battleaxes at war.
Take that, Pat!; Peggy lashes out, all for the love of Frank
By TOM PARRY THE fur flies as moggies Muffi and Tiger show off their "ninja" skills.
Crouching Tigger, hidden dragon
The fur flies when lawyer Ally and colleague Georgia - her ex-boyfriend Billy's wife - end up opposing each other in a date-rape case.
It's Ally cats as the claws come out; FUR FLYING: FELINE MAKEOVER FOR TV LAWYER AND LOVE RIVAL AS COURTROOM TENSIONS END IN BRAWL
Whenever I get together with them, the fur flies. We just don't get on.
Dear MIRIAM: Seasonal gratings