Step On A Rake Edit Meaning

1.

to say or do something seemingly uncontroversial which evokes an unexpectedly vehement response - akin to the experience of stepping on a rake in the dark such that the shaft swings up and suddenly hits one in the face.

He probably thought it would be an innocent remark, little realising he would step on a rake in view of the violent respnse it was likely to draw.

See blunder