makes waves
Stirs things up
Makes waves means to cause a disturbance or attract attention, usually by challenging the status quo or disrupting established practices.
The phrase comes from the literal image of disturbing calm water.
Someone who makes waves refuses to go along quietly: She made waves by questioning the company's hiring practices.
The expression often carries a slightly negative connotation—implying that the disruption, however justified, creates problems for others.
Sudden structural overhaul
- upheavalViolent disturbance of order
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- unrestState of public disturbance
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
destabilization · upset · challenge · threat · friction · tension · resistance · opposition
Improve by correcting faults
- transformChange completely in form
- revolutionizeChange something fundamentally
- reshapeGive different form
- shiftMovement or work period
overhaul · reinvent · innovate · pioneer · trailblaze · breakthrough · progress · advance
Noisy public disturbance
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- furorIntense public excitement
debate · contention · dispute · discord · brouhaha · stir · commotion · reaction
Indirect results of actions
- consequencesResults of actions taken
- aftermathResults following an event
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- domino effectSequential causation phenomenon
spillover · reverberations · echoes · spread · reach · ramifications · knock-on effects · downstream effects
Forceful contact or consequence
- cloutInformal power or punch
- swayRock back and forth
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- pullForce toward oneself
weight · authority · reach · presence · prominence · reputation · recognition · visibility
shake-up
Sudden structural overhaul
- upheavalViolent disturbance of order
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- unrestState of public disturbance
turbulence · destabilization · upset · challenge · threat · friction · tension · resistance · opposition · establishment
reform
Improve by correcting faults
- transformChange completely in form
- revolutionizeChange something fundamentally
- reshapeGive different form
shift · overhaul · reinvent · innovate · pioneer · trailblaze · breakthrough · progress · advance · movement
uproar
Noisy public disturbance
furor · debate · contention · dispute · discord · brouhaha · stir · commotion · reaction · criticism
repercussions
Indirect results of actions
- consequencesResults of actions taken
- aftermathResults following an event
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
domino effect · spillover · reverberations · echoes · spread · reach · ramifications · knock-on effects · downstream effects · far-reaching
impact
Forceful contact or consequence
pull · weight · authority · reach · presence · prominence · reputation · recognition · visibility · credibility
makes wavesgoes along
Accepts or cooperates
conforms · falls in line · toes the line · goes with the flow · keeps the peace
makes waveskeeps a low profile
Remains deliberately inconspicuous
flies under the radar · blends in · keeps one's head down · lies low · keeps mum
make, makes, made, making, maker, makers, wave, waves, waved