made waves
Stirred things up
Made waves means caused a stir or attracted attention, usually by doing something unconventional, controversial, or notably impressive.
The expression draws on the image of disrupting still water—creating ripples that spread outward and affect the surrounding calm.
Someone who makes waves challenges the status quo or refuses to go along quietly.
Her op-ed really made waves in the industry.
He's not afraid to make waves when he sees something wrong.
- ripplesSmall surface undulations
- big splashDramatic attention-grabbing entrance
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- inventionNew device or method
paradigm shift · changed the game · breakthrough · upheaval · reform · headlines · activism · rocked the boat · pioneering · stir · transformation · tides · revolution · surges · originality · splash · caused a stir · currents
made wavesblended in
Became indistinguishable from surroundings
kept a low profile · flew under the radar · kept quiet · toed the line · conformed
made waveskept the peace
Maintained order and calm
poured oil on troubled waters · stabilized · settled down · acquiesced · submitted
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