idioms using “feather”

Feather one’s nest

To enrich oneself illegally or unethically

“The people are starving but their corrupt leader feathered his nest with the financial aid that wealthy countries sent to help the poor; he built a huge castle.”

A feather in one’s cap

An achievement that others admire

“Sugaya-san’s mastery of Arabic is a feather in her cap.”

Knock someone over with a feather

To be totally stunned or shocked

“Uzawa-san was so surprised to win Japan’s top music award that she could have been knocked over with a feather.”

Ruffle someone’s feathers

Do something that upsets or annoys someone

“Numata-san ruffled a few feathers with his management style but the measures he introduced did improve efficiency by 30%.”

Birds of a feather flock together

A phrase that means people tend to associate with others who are like them

“Though Shima-san doesn’t use drugs, everyone thinks he does because most of his friends do; birds of a feather flock together.”