Rattle somebody’s cage Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Playful Teasing The phrase can imply lighthearted teasing, not always serious annoyance. When he teased her about her cooking, he was just trying to rattle her cage. Pro Tip 2/3Provoking Reaction Use it to describe actions aiming to get a reaction, often in a challenging way. He made that comment to rattle her cage and see how she'd respond. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation It can imply a negative intent, such as irritating someone on purpose. Don't rattle her cage; she's had a bad day already.