make waves

Idioms and Phrases

Cause a disturbance or controversy, as in We've finally settled our differences, so please don't make waves . This expression alludes to causing turbulence in the water. [ Slang ; mid-1900s] Also see rock the boat .

Related Words

• agitate
• arouse
• awaken
• disturb
• fire up
• galvanize
• heighten
• incite
• inflame
• kindle
• provoke
• rile
• startle
• stir
• trigger
• wake up
• whip up
• work up