red rag

red rag
something that arouses anger; a provocation; red flag: A mere mention of the incident is a red rag to him.
[1690-1700]

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • red rag — noun Etymology: so called from the tradition that a red rag incites a bull to rage : something that incites to anger or vexation the jibe was a red rag goading him to violence …   Useful english dictionary

  • red rag — noun Something that will enrage another particular person. Collins dictionaries has announced that the inclusion of 2,000 new words in its forthcoming new edition means that some of the dustier corners of its lexicon will have to be swept into… …   Wiktionary

  • red rag to a bull — If something is a red rag to a bull, it is something that will inevitably make somebody angry or cross …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • red rag to a bull — noun Something that will enrage another particular person. Simply mentioning the word nationalism to him is like a red rag to a bull …   Wiktionary

  • red rag to a bull —    If something is a red rag to a bull, it is something that will inevitably make somebody angry or cross.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Red rag to a bull —   If something is a red rag to a bull, it is something that will inevitably make somebody angry or cross …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • red rag — object that arouses immediate anger and opposition …   English contemporary dictionary

  • red-rag — …   Useful english dictionary

  • a red rag to a bull — (like) a red rag to a bull see red * * * a red rag to a bull see ↑red, 1 • • • Main Entry: ↑bull a red rag to a bull see ↑red, 1 • • • …   Useful english dictionary

  • (a) red rag to a bull — a red rag to a bull british phrase something that will make someone very angry Thesaurus: something that is annoyingsynonym Main entry: red * * * a red rag to a ˈbull idiom ( …   Useful english dictionary

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