ruffle a few feathers

ruffle a few feathers

To do something which annoys, irritates, or upsets other people. I know my presentation about the effects of climate change is going to ruffle a few feathers, but I have got to raise awareness about this issue! Harry's bombastic, arrogant demeanor tends to ruffle a few feathers, but he's a decent guy at heart.
See also: feather, few, ruffle

ruffle somebody’s/a few ˈfeathers

(informal) annoy somebody by doing something that upsets and disturbs them: All this talk of a strike has clearly ruffled the management’s feathers. OPPOSITE: smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers
This refers to the way the wind disturbs the smooth surface of a bird’s feathers so that they stick out.
See also: feather, few, ruffle
References in periodicals archive ?
I think that's what we are looking at, to ruffle a few feathers and get at them.
Ruscoe is urging his Saints to 'ruffle a few feathers'
The BBC radio DJ, 59, entered the camp two days ago and pals reckon he might ruffle a few feathers.
Danny wants to be the snake
But, if we can win, it would ruffle a few feathers, based on what the perception is of where our team is at and what we could possibly do this year.
Leeds aim to upset the title-chasers
The star of the The Only Way Is Essex TV show hosted an event at S7VEN in Coventry last week and is now hoping to ruffle a few feathers as he swaps the famous Essex Sugarhut for S7VEN for his 22nd birthday party.
The only way is Coventry for TOWIE star Ricky
Perch told the Chronicle: "We're going to go down there to ruffle a few feathers.
Buoyant Magpies are aiming to knock
Poole's Leigh Adams and Ipswich's Scott Nicholls are the star attractions, and Coventry's Billy Janniro is sure to ruffle a few feathers.
Speedway: Final show for Wolves
The Fulham captain will earn his 54th cap against the Azzurri, and he hopes to ruffle a few feathers.
Football: FIT & READY
THERE'S a cosmopolitan cafe bar in Southport which is looking to ruffle a few feathers.
Cafe delight; OUT & ABOUT WITH ZORAN BLACKIE
In a move likely to ruffle a few feathers at Apple Computer Inc, Sotec Co has become the latest Asian PC manufacturer to crib design cues from the iMac with the release of its translucent e- one PC.
E-One Expected to Ruffle Apple's Feathers with 'iPC'
And while they are all common names of popular birds, it's still sure to ruffle a few feathers.
FORGET the hotly contested Presidential [...]; Christopher Bucktin's America THE BUCK STOPS HERE
TWIN Atlantic will ruffle a few feathers with their cheeky T in the Park T-shirt - featuring an osprey.
Rockers ruffle feathers with new tee for T
The WRU can change the emblem, but does it have the will and support to ruffle a few feathers inside and outside Wales in order to do so?
Feathers weigh
MEET Red Rock's new face Garda Sergeant John "Johno" O'Riordan who is set to ruffle a few feathers.
Sergeant will knock few heads together
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