make waves

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

But generally speaking, unless their personal ox is being gored, few young women seem willing to make waves.

From The Daily Beast

But journalists and media executives in this country who are protected by the First Amendment preferred not to make waves, either.

From The Daily Beast

LinkedIn has been the stealth social network, but today it finally started to make waves.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• agitate
• arouse
• awaken
• disturb
• fire up
• galvanize
• heighten
• incite
• inflame
• kindle
• provoke
• rile
• startle
• stir
• trigger
• wake up
• whip up
• work up