I can't think of a more direct provocation," Spratly replied, "a provocation designed to force them to exterminate us all, than what you are proposing.

It's a direct provocation to me.

This was a direct provocation against Grant, but Sherman acceded to the senior officer.

He did not respond to the most direct provocation I had yet heard from any of those who served him.

"We consider this a direct provocation against the Cardassians."

But it's not for Threle to invade another kingdom without direct provocation, and we haven't been invited to stave off Sunnas's return.

Perhaps Jen's act of innocence was a direct provocation.

"Use of weapons would be a direct provocation to war."

In spite of his statements regarding the outcast nature of Gadin's circle, their annihilation would have been a direct provocation for war.

It is a direct provocation to the strong and sceptical opinion in Europe which rejects a united states of Europe.