make the dust fly

Idioms and Phrases

Also, make the feathers or fur fly . Stir matters up, cause a commotion or disturbance. For example, When she saw the dog sleeping on her new bedspread, she really made the dust fly , or As soon as he learns who dented his car, he'll make the feathers fly , or She'd better not interfere or he'll make the fur fly . The first usage alludes to the results of a vigorous house-cleaning effort. The two variants, both dating from the early 1800s, allude to what happens when a hunting dog is set on a bird or rabbit.