Rattle somebody’s cage
verb
To intentionally annoy or provoke someone.
She likes to rattle his cage just for fun.
Often appears as...
- just to rattle your cage
- she loves to rattle your cage
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To disturb or upset the status quo or a previously stable situation.
The new CEO has certainly rattled some cages with his sweeping changes.
Often appears as...
- rattle a few cages
- rattle the cages
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To intentionally annoy or provoke someone.
She likes to rattle his cage just for fun.
Often appears as...
- just to rattle your cage
- she loves to rattle your cage
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To disturb or upset the status quo or a previously stable situation.
The new CEO has certainly rattled some cages with his sweeping changes.
Often appears as...
- rattle a few cages
- rattle the cages
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Playful Teasing
The phrase can imply lighthearted teasing, not always serious annoyance.
When he teased her about her cooking, he was just trying to rattle her cage.
Pro Tip 2/3Provoking Reaction
Use it to describe actions aiming to get a reaction, often in a challenging way.
He made that comment to rattle her cage and see how she'd respond.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It can imply a negative intent, such as irritating someone on purpose.
Don't rattle her cage; she's had a bad day already.
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