A red rag to a bull

Pro Tip 1/3

Anger Cue

Use it to describe actions or words that will certainly make someone angry.

Telling John he's wrong is like a red rag to a bull.

Pro Tip 2/3

Intensity

It implies a strong, almost uncontrollable reaction, not just mild annoyance.

Mentioning the rival team's victory to him was like a red rag to a bull.

Pro Tip 3/3

Cultural Origin

Originates from bullfighting where a matador provokes a bull with a red cloth.

Discussing politics at the dinner table is like a red rag to a bull in our family.