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

Example Sentences

Just now the very mention of the highgrader's name was a red rag to his temper.

From Project Gutenberg

Johannesburg was still a red rag to the Government, and I would be sure to meet with a rebuff.

From Project Gutenberg

In temperament a fanatic, in impulse a born revolutionist, the word conservatism was to him as a red rag to a bull.

From Project Gutenberg

At each charge the matador bounds aside, and the beast worries the red rag.

From Project Gutenberg

A strong mind, whether in man or woman, has always been to the clergy as a red rag to a bull.

From Project Gutenberg