- To cause trouble, disturb an existing situation, challenge the status quo, or attract attention (often by being disruptive).
Explanation
Origin
- This idiom uses the literal image of creating ripples or waves in still water.
- Just as waves disrupt the calmness and smoothness of the water's surface, someone who makes waves disrupts the normal, quiet, or established order of a social group, organization, or situation.
- It implies causing a disturbance, whether intentional or not, positive or negative.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stir the pot (Often implies creating drama for its own sake)
- Shake things up (Can be more positive, implying needed change)
- Get up in someone's grill (More directly confrontational, aggressive)
- Start shit (Vulgar, implies deliberately causing trouble or conflict)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck things up (General disruption, less specific to challenging norms)
- Piss people off (Focuses on the negative reaction caused)
Milder:
- Raise eyebrows (Cause mild surprise or disapproval)
- Introduce changes
- Challenge conventions
- Question things
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Can be used in professional settings, but be mindful of the potentially negative connotation (implying disruption).
- In very formal contexts, phrases like challenge the status quo or introduce significant changes might be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take it literally, thinking about water. The key is understanding the metaphorical sense of social or procedural disruption.
Examples
- He likes to make waves at meetings by questioning the management's decisions.
- She wasn't afraid to make waves to fight for better working conditions.
- As the new person, I'm trying not to make waves just yet.
Dialogue
Anna: The new team member is already questioning our standard procedures.
Ben: Yeah, seems like she's ready to make waves right away.
Anna: I know, but maybe some of her points are valid? It might be good to shake things up a bit.
Ben: Perhaps, but I hope she doesn't upset too many people in the process.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Our company needs someone willing to make waves and push for real innovation. #leadership #change
- Forum post: Joined the neighborhood committee hoping to improve things, but I'm hesitant to make waves too early. Advice? #community #localpolitics
- Instagram caption: Dare to make waves. 🌊 Don't just go with the flow. #motivation #beyourself
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, he certainly knows how to make waves.
- Caution/Disapproval: I wish she wouldn't make waves so often; it causes tension.
- Justification: Sometimes you *need* to make waves to get things done.
- Observation: Things were quiet until he arrived and started making waves.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone describes another person making waves:
- Why do they do that?
- What kind of trouble did they cause this time?
- Is that seen as a good or bad thing here?
- Might lead to gossip or discussion about the disruption.
After being advised *not* to make waves:
- Okay, I'll try to keep a low profile.
- Why? What's the situation I should be aware of?
- The person might become more observant or cautious.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used to describe a person's actions or a situation, rather than initiating a conversation.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on make and waves. MAKE WAVES.
- The tone can vary: cautionary (Don't make waves), critical (He's always making waves), or admiring (She has the courage to make waves).
Generation Differences
- Commonly understood and used across most generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in most English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).