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Glite Dictionary
to flutter the dovecote

to flutter the dovecote

9.9
To cause sudden excitement or trouble in a calm group
  • idiom
  • Archaic
translation icon : alterar el orden establecido
  • The surprise guest appearance really fluttered the dovecote at the convention.

Examples

  • The new policy is sure to flutter the dovecote in the office.

  • Her candid remarks at the meeting managed to flutter the dovecote.

  • Don't flutter the dovecote right now!

  • The sudden news fluttered the dovecote at the meeting.

  • Her candid remarks at the meeting managed to flutter the dovecote and sparked a lively debate.

  • The new policy is sure to flutter the dovecote in the office, leading to intense discussions.

  • The surprise guest appearance at the event truly fluttered the dovecote, creating a buzz among attendees.

Antonyms

to settle
540 2.8

To become calm and still after movement or excitement

Surface Forms

flutter the dovecote infinitive
fluttering the dovecote present participle
flutters the dovecote third person singular
fluttered the dovecote past
fluttered the dovecote past participle

Morphology

flutter + the + dovecote

The verb 'flutter' (a brief commotion) combined with 'dovecote' (a peaceful place for doves) yields a plausible figurative image of causing disturbance in a settled place, so a learner who knows both nouns could partially infer the sense. However, the expression is metaphorical, somewhat archaic/rare and relies on an unusual cultural image (dovecote), so the specific idiomatic force is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

Flutter the dovecote may come from a simple farm picture where a flutter makes birds flap inside a dovecote, a small house for doves. When the birds flap they panic and make a noisy, messy scene. So the phrase now means 'to cause excitement or disturbance' in a calm place.