Wave a red rag to a bull In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "Wave a red rag to a bull", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Eudora Thao

2021-01-15 04:01

Meaning of Wave a red rag to a bull

Synonyms:

Red rag to a bull , be like a red flag to a bull

Wave a red rag to a bull British American verb phrase

In British, they use 'a red rag to a bull', but American people usually use 'a red flag before a bull'.

A deliberate provocation will surely result in an adverse reaction such as angry and violent actions.

It will waves a red rag to a bull if your ex-girlfriend brings her new boyfriend to your birthday party, right?, so I think you shouldn't invite her.

Don't mention anything about religion to your uncle. It's like that you wave a red rag against a bull.

Don't let him know I told you his secrets. It waves a red rag to a bull.

Other phrases about:

bandy words (with somebody)

To argue with somebody

kick up a fuss, stink, etc.

to become angry or complain about something unimportant.

Go Off The Deep End

1. Become angry or lose self-control

2. To plunge into the deep part of a pool

shoot daggers at (one)

To look or glare very angrily at someone

spit chips

To be loudly or extremely angry

Grammar and Usage of Wave a red rag to a bull

Verb Forms

waves a red rag to a bull
waving a red rag to a bull
waved a red rag to a bull

The verb "wave" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Wave a red rag to a bull

Wave a red rag to a bull means a deliberate provocation that will surely result in an adverse reaction.
(Source image: Business Insider)

Waving a red rag at someone in the 17th century was merely chatting with them -' red rag' was then a slang term for the tongue. This use was mentioned in print as early as 1605 and is nicely illustrated in the definition of Francis Grose in The Vulgar Tongue Classical Dictionary, 1785.