Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
rattle someone's cage
idiom
/ˈrætl ˈsʌmoʊnz keɪdʒ/
Definition
To irritate or annoy someone, often to provoke a reaction.
Examples
- If you want to get a response from her, try rattling her cage with a controversial topic.
- The unexpected news rattled his cage, making him reevaluate his decisions.
- Sometimes, you have to rattle someone’s cage to get them to see the bigger picture.
Meaning
This phrase suggests stirring up someone emotionally or distressing them, usually in a way that prompts them to respond or take action.
Synonyms
- provoke
- annoy
- irritate
- bother
- upset
