Г444
ДРАЗНИТЬ/РАЗДРАЗНИТЬ ГУСЕЙ
collVPsubj:
humanusu. impfvoften
infin with зачем, не надо
etc, or
neg infin after чтобы) to irritate, anger
s.o. ,
usu. pointlessly (often, one's superior(s) or
s.o. who is in a position to make trouble for one): не надо (зачем) гусей дразнить — don't (why) make waves (trouble)don't (why) stir things updon't ruffle any (
s.o. 's) feathersdon't rub
s.o. the wrong way.
From Ivan Krylov's fable "Geese" («Гуси»), 1811.