watch the feathers fly
English
editEtymology
editFrom the way feathers fly in all directions when chickens fight.
Verb
editwatch the feathers fly (third-person singular simple present watches the feathers fly, present participle watching the feathers fly, simple past and past participle watched the feathers fly)
- To observe or allow a fight or upset that results from a situation.
Usage notes
editThere are many variants of this phrase, including see the feathers fly, watch some feathers fly, etc.