Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
raise someone's hackles
idiom
/reɪz ˈsʌmˌwʌnz ˈhæklz/
Definition
To provoke someone, often by causing them to feel angry or defensive.
Examples
- The unfair criticism from his peers raised his hackles.
- When she brought up the topic of politics, it was enough to raise his hackles.
- The manager’s poor treatment of employees tends to raise hackles around the office.
Meaning
This phrase describes a reaction, typically of annoyance or anger, where someone becomes visibly upset or defensive about something.
Synonyms
- provoke
- irritate
- offend
- anger
- annoy
