Idiom
make waves
Meanings
To cause trouble or discomfort by challenging what others want or expect, especially in a group or workplace.
To create a noticeable impact or strong reaction, especially by doing something new, bold, or different.
Definition
To make waves means to cause trouble or create a strong reaction by challenging the usual way of doing things.
If you make waves, you behave in a way that upsets other people or disrupts a calm situation. It often involves speaking out, challenging rules, or pushing for change. The phrase can be negative (causing trouble) or positive (creating bold change), depending on context.
Examples
- He didn’t want to make waves during his first month on the job.
- The new CEO is making waves with rapid changes to the company.
- She made waves by openly criticizing the policy at the meeting.
- The rookie is making waves in the league with his impressive performance.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "do waves" instead of "make waves," but the correct verb is "make."
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.