[Idiom] RUFFLE FEATHERS. - Discover Fun English Expressions About Disturbing Peace

Upset or annoy people.

The phrase "ruffle feathers" means to cause disturbance or irritation, usually by disrupting the status quo or challenging social norms. Imagine a bird whose feathers are smoothed down and how disturbing them would cause the bird to be uncomfortable, hence the metaphor for upsetting people.

Example Sentences

1. I didn't mean to ruffle feathers by changing the meeting time.

   I didn’t intend to upset people by changing the meeting time.

2. At the family reunion, his controversial statements really ruffled feathers, causing a bit of an uproar among the relatives.

   His controversial statements at the family reunion caused an uproar among the relatives.

3. When she criticized the new policy during the board meeting, it ruffled feathers, but sparked an important dialogue about the company's direction.

   Her criticism of the new policy during the board meeting upset people but sparked important dialogue.