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Ruffle some feathers

verb, slang

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To cause a disturbance; to arouse resentment, anger, or concern. figuratively, informal

    "Any frank discussion of politics is sure to ruffle some feathers."

Etymology

Evoking the image of roosters, who ruffle their neck feathers when threatened. OED's earliest attestation is from 1829. Perhaps a variant of an earlier phrase "ruffle the tempers", attested since at least 1722.

See also for "ruffle some feathers"

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