ruffled feathers
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That approach ruffled feathers across the sport, as detractors argued that the offseason shopping spree was against the spirit of college sports—a bridge too far even in the wild west of today’s NCAA.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
This ruffled feathers in a way none of her previous campaigns had, and the pushback she received only fed her beliefs about vast conspiracies.
From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026
If these sources are coming from inside Meta, it is a sign of ruffled feathers both inside and outside the new lab.
From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025
In 2022, Jackson ruffled feathers when he told the Los Angeles Times that he was “not doing statue-chasing movies” and would “rather be Nick Fury.”
From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025
Capricorn's men climbed the steps and sat at their master's feet, Elinor among them like a pigeon with ruffled feathers in the middle of a mob of marauding crows.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
![]()