red rag

noun

1. something that arouses anger; a provocation; red flag.

   A mere mention of the incident is a red rag to him.

red rag

noun

1. a provocation; something that infuriates

Word History and Origins

Origin of red rag¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Word History and Origins

Origin of red rag¹

so called because red objects supposedly infuriate bulls