like a red rag to a bull
/ˌlaɪk ə ˌred ˈræɡ tə ə ˈbʊl/INFORMAL · C1
Meaning
certain to make someone very angry
Examples
- 1Asking my dad to turn his music down is like a red rag to a bull.
- 2The word 'cheap' is like a red rag to a bull for our designer.
- 3Don't mention the parking fines to Rob; they're like a red rag to a bull.
- 4Telling Hannah to calm down is like a red rag to a bull; she only gets louder.
- 5For my brother, losing at board games is like a red rag to a bull, so we let him win.
Grammar
The phrase does not change. It usually follows be; like is sometimes left out.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about colours
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →through rose-tinted glassesin a way that notices only the good sidea black marka fact that makes people think worse of youthe pot calling the kettle blackcriticising someone for a fault you also havenail your colours to the mastto say publicly and firmly what you believe or supportout of the bluecompletely unexpectedlyonce in a blue moonvery rarely
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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