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make mischief

Idioms  
  1. Cause trouble, as in Don't listen to her gossip—she's just trying to make mischief. This idiom was first recorded in 1884, but the related noun mischief-maker, a person who causes trouble especially by tale-bearing, dates from about 1700.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Darrowby’s villagers are enjoying each other’s company when they’re beset by a small menace, a local boy determined to make mischief.

From Salon Jan. 7, 2024

The lone ones may snatch red hoods, but they don’t make mischief for its own sake.

From New York Times Feb. 16, 2022

He was a father who arrived home with flair, stepping in from the garage and shouting, “Hello to my little family-amily,” but he also had a look stern enough to make mischief wither.

From Seattle Times Jan. 23, 2022

When the United States is distracted or in transition, foreign nations can make mischief.

From Washington Post Oct. 29, 2020

Little Edward and he had done it all together, that is to say, he had really done it, and little Edward had been there to make mischief.

From In God's Way A Novel by Bj?rnstjerne Bj?rnson

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