# flutter in the dovecote

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/flutter-in-the-dovecote
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A disturbance, usually one caused within a group of people who are generally placid and unexcited.

## Examples

- The sudden news caused a flutter in the dovecote.
- His bold fashion choice creates a small flutter in the dovecote at the library.
- A new rule about coffee breaks causes a flutter in the dovecote today.
- The announcement of the surprise budget cuts caused quite a flutter in the dovecote among the quiet office staff.
- The suggestion that we should all work on weekends caused a real flutter in the dovecote during the monthly team meeting.
- When the quietest neighbor decided to host a loud late-night party, it caused a massive flutter in the dovecote on our street.
- The arrival of the controversial new manager created a significant flutter in the dovecote, unsettling the long-standing peace of the department.

## Origin

Probably from flutter the dovecote, possibly from Coriolanus (written c. 1608–1609; published 1623) by the English playwright William Shakespeare (1564–1616), Act V, scene vi (spelling modernized): “[L]ike an eagle in a dovecote, I / Fluttered your Volcians in Corioles.” (disputed)

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.