big stink

Idioms and Phrases

A major scandal or furor. For example, If they don't improve the women's facilities, Marjorie will make a big stink about it . [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

In the chapter that opens with The Big Stink in London, you write, "Dictionary People showed a strong tendency toward innovation."

From Salon

A lot of sargassum would pile up on beaches, where it would decompose, attracting flies and causing a big stink.

From Slate

She says she doesn’t want to make a big stink about defending him because she thinks that could inflame some families more.

From Slate

“I’ve never been like someone who walks into a Walmart without a mask, looking to make a big stink,” said Rossi, who is vaccinated.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were just having a conversion because obviously there was a big stink that was made out of it last year, right?”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• agitation
• annoyance
• brouhaha
• bustle
• confusion
• excitement
• ferment
• flap
• furor
• fuss
• hubbub
• outcry
• pandemonium
• rebellion
• revolt
• tumult
• turbulence
• upheaval