bristle at a comment
/ˈbrɪs.əl æt ə ˈkɒm.ent/
Meaning
To 'bristle at a comment' means to show sudden anger, irritation, or defensiveness in response to something someone said. The phrase evokes the image of an animal, like a cat, raising its fur (bristles) when threatened. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe a subtle but noticeable negative reaction to criticism.
Examples
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She tried to hide her annoyance, but I could see her bristle at the comment about her management style.
She tried to hide her annoyance, but I could see her bristle at the comment about her management style.
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He tended to bristle at any comment that questioned his academic credentials.
He tended to bristle at any comment that questioned his academic credentials.
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Instead of accepting the constructive feedback, the artist seemed to bristle at the critic's comments.
Instead of accepting the constructive feedback, the artist seemed to bristle at the critic's comments.
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Although he remained silent, his tense posture showed he had bristled at her comment.
Although he remained silent, his tense posture showed he had bristled at her comment.
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It is easy to bristle at a comment when you feel your hard work is being undervalued.
It is easy to bristle at a comment when you feel your hard work is being undervalued.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She bristled to his comment during the meeting.
✓ She bristled at his comment during the meeting.
The verb 'bristle' must be paired with the preposition 'at' when reacting to a remark, not 'to'.
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✗ His insulting remark bristled her immediately.
✓ She bristled at his insulting remark immediately.
'Bristle' is an intransitive verb in this context. You cannot 'bristle' someone else; the person themselves must 'bristle at' something.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Even the most experienced professionals sometimes ___ questioning their decisions.
💡 To react defensively or with irritation to a remark.
Show answer
bristle at a comment
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It is natural to ___ that challenges your authority, but try to remain objective.
💡 To show sudden irritation in response to what someone said.
Show answer
bristle at a comment