feather

birds of a feather: seebird.

a feather in your cap an achievement to be proud of.

☞ Originally (in the late 17th century), a feather in your cap was taken as a sign of foolishness. However, by the mid 18th century the phrase was acquiring its modern positive sense.

2009DVD Verdict With Koch Lorber's new DVD release of the film, viewers may now determine whether the filmmaker's swan song represents another feather in his cap or an unfortunate footnote.

feather your (own) nest make money, usually illicitly and at someone else's expense.

☞ This phrase refers to the way in which some birds use feathers (their own or another bird's) to line the interior of their nest.

2012Daily Telegraph The Duke … has stirred latent antimonarchist sentiments in Spain with the suggestion that he used his royal influence to feather his own nest.

fine feathers: seefine.

in fine (or high) feather in good spirits.

☞ The image here is of a bird in its breeding plumage, when it is in peak condition.

ruffle someone's feathers: seeruffle.

show the white feather: seewhite.

spit feathers: seespit.

tar and feather: seetar.

you could have knocked me down with a feather: seeknock.