make a stink

Idioms and Phrases

Also, raise a stink . Create a great fuss; complain, criticize, or otherwise make trouble about something. For example, They promised to fix the printer today; you needn't make a stink about it , or The parents were raising a stink about the principal's new rules . This idiom transfers an offensive odor to a public fuss. [Mid-1800s] Also see make a scene .

Related Words

• affirm
• assert
• declare
• demonstrate
• fight
• insist
• maintain
• object
• oppose
• resist
• revolt