get a rise out of

Idioms  

1. Elicit an angry or irritated reaction, as in His teasing always got a rise out of her. This expression alludes to the angler's dropping a fly in a likely spot in the hope that a fish will rise to this bait.

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Example Sentences

But whether that’s a contributing factor or not, it does seem he’s getting more frantic to do whatever it takes to get a rise out of people.

From Salon

When we would show the movie, the scene would always get a rise out of people.

From Los Angeles Times

He even managed to get a rise out of mild-mannered Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, who recently kicked him out of the chamber for heckling.

From BBC

Rarely if ever does one get the sense that they’re engaging in shtick to get a rise out of theatergoers.

From Los Angeles Times

“TJ Simers was acerbic, witty, cranky and knew how to get a rise out of people,” Southern California sportswriter Janis Carr tweeted Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy
• arouse
• displease
• excite
• gall
• galvanize
• ignite
• incense
• irk
• irritate
• kindle
• offend
• rile
• stimulate
• whet