make waves
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Cause a disturbance or controversy, as in We've finally settled our differences, so please don't make waves. This expression alludes to causing turbulence in the water. [Slang; mid-1900s] Also see rock the boat.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Words nearby make waves
makeup, make up for lost time, make up one's mind, make up to, make use of, make waves, make way, makeweight, make whoopee, make with, make-work
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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