# ruffle someone's feathers

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ruffle-someones-feathers
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To unease, cause discomfort to someone.

## Examples

- His loud music ruffled his neighbor's feathers.
- The manager knew that changing the office schedule would ruffle some feathers, but she felt the new plan was necessary.
- By questioning the long-standing traditions of the committee, the young researcher inadvertently ruffled the feathers of the senior members who had held power for decades.

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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.