Ruffling feathers is a phrase which means to upset or disturb someone. There are numerous synonyms for this phrase that can be used interchangeably in various situations. Some of the common synonyms include 'rubbing the wrong way,' 'getting on someone's nerves,' 'getting under the skin," 'irritating,' 'provoking,' 'annoying,' 'vexing,' and 'disturbing.' When we think of ruffling feathers, it usually means that we have unintentionally upset someone. Using a synonym can help us communicate the same message without causing offense to those sensitive to the phrase. It is vital to choose the right synonym for the situation to effectively address the issue at hand.