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like a red flag to a bull
01
used to refer to something that will surely make someone angry
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?
The idiom "like a red flag to a bull" originated from the behavior of bulls in bullfighting. It signifies an action or statement that provokes an immediate and strong negative or aggressive reaction from someone. The phrase draws on the natural instinct of a bull to react fiercely and aggressively upon seeing a red flag, which is used by the matador to incite the animal. This expression is often used when discussing sensitive or contentious topics that are known to trigger strong emotions or when describing actions that deliberately provoke or irritate someone.
Examples
Mentioning his old boss is like a red rag to a bull.
