Idiom
make waves
Meanings
To cause trouble, controversy, or disturbance by challenging rules or accepted behavior.
To attract attention or have a noticeable impact, especially in a group, industry, or public setting.
Definition
To make waves means to cause a noticeable disturbance or attract attention, often by challenging the usual way of doing things.
To make waves is to do something that creates a strong reaction, change, or controversy. It often implies upsetting the status quo or drawing public attention. The phrase can be positive (innovation and impact) or negative (trouble and conflict), depending on context.
Examples
- She didn’t want to make waves at her new job, so she stayed quiet during the meeting.
- The startup is making waves with its affordable electric scooter.
- He made waves by openly criticizing the company’s policy.
- Their debut album made waves online within a week.
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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious 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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.