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. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

twist the lion's tail

provoke the resentment of the British. US

See also: tail, twist

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017