twist the lion's tail

twist the lion's tail

To provoke a person or an entity (especially a country) who could prove to be a powerful enemy. Originally used in reference to the United Kingdom, the royal coat of arms of which features a lion. The president's advisors warned against twisting the lion's tail, but he mocked and threatened the turbulent nation in his speech nonetheless.
See also: tail, twist
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

twist the lion's tail

provoke the resentment of the British. US
See also: tail, twist
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • another coat of paint
  • coat
  • coat (someone or something) with (something)
  • coat with
  • coat and tie
  • don't feed the troll(s)
  • troll
  • DNFTT
  • trollkin
  • pick a fight/quarrel
References in periodicals archive
Do not twist the lion's tail because you will regret.
IRGC Vows to Close Strait of Hormuz If Iran Barred from Passage