Do not poke the bear by asking him about his mistakes.
poke the bear
idiomTo deliberately aggravate somebody, especially somebody in a position of power or authority.
Origin
disputed originThe second sense refers to the use of bears to represent Russia, as a shortening of the idiom "poke the Russian bear" (to anger or threaten Russia and start a war with Russia).
The manager is already angry today, so do not poke the bear by bringing up the budget cuts.
By publicly questioning the director's authority during the board meeting, the junior analyst knowingly poked the bear and risked his career.
- 01
average bear
The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons
- 02
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 03
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 04
bear fruit
To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.
- 05
bear in mind
To hold (something) in the memory; to remember; also, to be mindful of or pay attention to (something); to consider; to note.
- 06
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 07
bear the brunt
To endure the worst part of something.
- 08
bear up
To endure hardship cheerfully or without complaining.