Ruffled Feathers
Notice this bird’s ruffled feathers. The bird may feel mad or scared. It may want to appear stronger if it fears attack. Or a blowing wind may have caused the feathers to stick out. It makes me think of people on bad-hair days.
If we have ruffled feathers, we feel angry or frightened.
Circumstances or people make us:
- Annoyed
- Upset
- Aggravated
- Afraid
We don’t like what they did or how they did it. They get our goat by irritating us with their words or behavior. Or they scare us.
Riled up has a similar meaning.
Occasionally we combine the two by saying, “Don’t get your feathers all riled up.” Such reactions may occur about:
- Wars
- Insults
- Politics
- Injustice
- Negative reactions to anything or anyone we love
Rather than rile or ruffle feathers, let’s try to calm or smooth them.
- Bury the hatchet.
- Seek peace.
- Compromise when appropriate.
- Remain cool as a cucumber.
- Show respect for others, even if we disagree.
Bad hair days cause no real harm. Ruffled feathers can.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NIV).
Thanks to Beverly Ennis for the suggestion and the photo.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.
12 thoughts on “Ruffled Feathers”
I think we’ve all had ruffled feathers at some point. But as you point out, our task should be to smooth the anger and frustration rather than escalate it. We can’t choose what happens to us, but we can control how we react.
Amen, Katherine. I often remind the girls in my Sunday school class the truth of your last statement.
It seems this world lives to “ruffle my feathers” a couple of times each day Ms. Diana. Have learned that it’s how I react to it that matters most. I can see or hear things that get me “torqued up” more often than I would like, but it’s in asking God’s help to let me deal with it internally rather than exploding outwardly that helps my testimony reflect God’s presence in my life. Great phrase to focus upon my friend.
It’s so easy to let our ruffled feathers take control, isn’t it, J.D. Only by letting God work through us can we reflect God’s presence. I need to remember this truth often.
It’s easy to get our feathers ruffled, harder to get them smoothed out. Great post, Diana.
Oh, I love your short and sweet summary, Tracy! (There goes my love for alliteration again.)
My feathers get “ruffled” from time to time. I’m thankful God reminds me that I am not the judge. He is in control. 🙂 Have a blessed July 4th!
My thanks echo yours, Melissa. I’m so glad God is in control. Happy Independence Day!
When circumstances ruffle my feathers, I have to remind myself Who is large and in charge, Diana. Blessings, and Happy Independence Day!
I need that same reminder, Martha. Have a wonderful and safe Independence Day!
I love this, Diana. Thanks for the example and great reminder! It’s better to lay all burdens and trials that ruffle our feathers over to God. He’s the Judge. His Holy Spirit; our Comforter and Counselor. His Son Jesus … The Way. Amen.
Thank you, Joann. I’m so thankful for God’s faithfulness when we turn our burdens and trials over to Him. Blessings on all your endeavors.