What does “Feathers fly” mean?
"Feathers fly" means that a situation becomes chaotic or there is a lot of conflict.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When the two rival gangs met, feathers really started to fly.
Example
The debate turned heated and feathers began to fly between the candidates.
Example
As soon as the controversial topic was brought up, feathers started to fly in the room
Is “Feathers fly” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Feathers fly” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Feathers fly” effectively in context?
You can use "Feathers fly" to describe a situation that becomes chaotic or where there is a lot of conflict. It emphasizes the idea of tension and disagreement escalating quickly. For example, if two friends start arguing and things get out of control, you could say, 'Once they started discussing politics, feathers really started to fly.'
- 1Social Gatherings
At the family reunion, feathers began to fly when old grudges resurfaced.
- 2Workplace
During the meeting, feathers flew as different team members expressed their opposing views.
- 3Politics
As soon as the controversial topic was brought up, feathers started to fly in the room.
Similar phrases to “Feathers fly”:
Catfight
A heated argument or physical fight between women
Example
The two actresses had a catfight on set over a misunderstanding.
Blow up
A situation becomes explosive or erupts into conflict
Example
The argument between the neighbors blew up into a full-blown feud.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Feathers fly” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Feathers fly" is unknown.
Is “Feathers fly” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Feathers fly" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where conflicts or arguments escalate quickly and tensions rise.
What tone does “Feathers fly” have?
"Feathers fly" conveys a tone of chaos and conflict. It suggests a situation where emotions are running high and disagreements are intense.
Can “Feathers fly” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Feathers fly" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to describe tense or heated debates.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When the two rival gangs met, feathers really started to fly.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Feathers are flying!' to imply a chaotic situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- conflict escalates
- tensions rise
- arguments intensify
- tempers flare
- things get heated
Antonyms
- peaceful resolution
- agreement reached
- calm prevails
- harmony restored