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Ruffle feathers

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To upset, offend, or disturb people, especially those in authority or with established expectations; suggests disrupting smooth social feathers, causing agitation or defensive reactions.

Detailed Definition
Ruffle feathers means to upset, annoy, disturb, or offend people, especially by challenging comfort, pride, or convention. In poetry, the idiom’s bird imagery gives social disturbance a visual delicacy: feathers, normally smooth, become disordered. It can describe gossip, satire, reform, blunt honesty, or unconventional art. A poet may use it playfully for minor offence or critically where necessary truth unsettles polite society. The phrase is useful for exploring reputation, sensitivity, and the cost of disturbing appearances.
Example
Example in poetry:
A political poem might celebrate the pamphlet that ruffles feathers in the royal court; In a family comedy, the niece ruffles feathers by refusing the old tradition; The phrase means to annoy or upset people, especially by challenging expectations; A poet can use it for social disruption.
Additional Notes
Ruffle feathers means upset, annoy, or disturb people, especially by challenging comfort or pride. The bird image suggests social plumage, dignity, and visible agitation. In poetry, it suits satire, reform, family tension, gossip, and artistic provocation. Students should ask whether the ruffling is needless discourtesy or necessary disruption. It pairs well with birds, preening, nests, salons, and communities that value smooth appearances.
Also Known As
Stir the pot
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