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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
raise eyebrows
To cause surprise or mild disapproval.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.