cause célèbre
Notorious legal case
A cause célèbre is a controversial issue or case that attracts widespread public attention and debate.
The French phrase literally means "celebrated case," and the term typically involves matters of justice, politics, or social principle that galvanize public opinion: The trial became a cause célèbre, dividing the nation.
Plural: causes célèbres.
Pleading for a cause
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
- rallyGathering for a cause
petition · grassroots · awareness · justice · reform · solidarity · civil disobedience · boycott
Disgraceful public affair
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- infamyExtreme public disgrace
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
cover-up · whistleblower · disgrace · misconduct · impropriety · indiscretion · outrage · tabloid
Intense journalistic attention surge
- headline newsMajor current events coverage
- trending topicWidely discussed current subject
- high-profileAttracting significant attention
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
viral sensation · public eye · newsworthy · buzzworthy · coverage · breaking story · talk of the town · editorial
Noisy public disturbance
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- outcryLoud public protest
- furorIntense public excitement
brouhaha · contention · dispute · dissension · clash · feud · animosity · strife
advocacy
Pleading for a cause
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
rally · petition · grassroots · awareness · justice · reform · solidarity · civil disobedience · boycott · march
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- infamyExtreme public disgrace
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
corruption · cover-up · whistleblower · disgrace · misconduct · impropriety · indiscretion · outrage · tabloid · gossip
media frenzy
Intense journalistic attention surge
- headline newsMajor current events coverage
- trending topicWidely discussed current subject
- high-profileAttracting significant attention
spotlight · viral sensation · public eye · newsworthy · buzzworthy · coverage · breaking story · talk of the town · editorial · opinion pages
uproar
Noisy public disturbance
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- outcryLoud public protest
furor · brouhaha · contention · dispute · dissension · clash · feud · animosity · strife · tumult