make waves
Stir things up
To make waves is to cause disruption or controversy, often by challenging established practices or speaking out when others prefer silence.
The expression draws from the literal image of disturbing calm water.
Someone who makes waves at work might push for changes that others find uncomfortable.
The phrase can be neutral or negative depending on context—whistleblowers make waves, but so do troublemakers.
Violent disturbance of order
- shake-upSudden structural overhaul
- stirMix by circling
- commotionNoisy, confused disturbance
- disturbanceDisruption of order
uproar · turmoil · agitation · ruckus · splash · upset · jolt · shock
Disgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- debateFormal argument on issues
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
furor · firestorm · headlines · buzz · attention · criticism · pushback · reaction
Forceful contact or consequence
- swayRock back and forth
- cloutInformal power or punch
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
pressure · pull · power play · momentum · traction · visibility · presence · voice
Public expression of disapproval
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- movementChange in position
- rallyGathering for a cause
demonstration · grassroots · petition · reform · social change · consciousness-raising · awareness · mobilization
upheaval
Violent disturbance of order
disturbance · uproar · turmoil · agitation · ruckus · splash · upset · jolt · shock · turbulence
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
uproar · furor · firestorm · headlines · buzz · attention · criticism · pushback · reaction · response
impact
Forceful contact or consequence
persuasion · pressure · pull · power play · momentum · traction · visibility · presence · voice · platform
protest
Public expression of disapproval
rally · demonstration · grassroots · petition · reform · social change · consciousness-raising · awareness · mobilization · organizing
- sea idiomsall at sea, dead in the water, smooth sailing, sink or swim, miss the boat
- stand outshine, excel, outshine, eclipse, surpass
- Cause a stirrock the boat, stir the pot, raise eyebrows, ruffle feathers, shake things up
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- making troublestir the pot, raise Cain, kick up a fuss, upset the apple cart, ruffle feathers
- troublemakingtroublemaker, troublemaking, instigate, agitator, instigating
make waveskeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
go with the flow · lie low · keep a low profile · stay out of trouble · play it safe
make wavesfall in line
Comply with expectations
toe the line · go with the flow · keep the peace · conform · go along to get along
make waveskeep quiet
Remain silent
hold one's tongue · bite one's tongue · say nothing · keep one's mouth shut · stay quiet
make, wave, made, maker, making, waves, waving, waver, waved