ruffle feathers . ruffle feathers or ruffle one's feathers {v. phr.} Insult or disturb slightly; offend. The author ruffled some feathers by his portrait of his hometown. Categories: add yours insulting {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: R Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry