Phrase guide

rattle someone's cage

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To demand attention from someone; to nag, nudge, or remind someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Nobody has corrected the problem yet, so it's time to rattle their cage.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To anger or to annoy someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • If you really want to rattle his cage, ask him about his family.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.