THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Make waves
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To disturb an established situation, or to attract attention through a significant or new achievement.
Usage note: keep in mind
Make waves can mean disturb an established situation or attract attention by doing something new or significant. The surrounding words show whether the speaker disapproves or admires the effect. Use made waves in the past. It is not always a negative expression.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- She didn’t want to make waves at her new job, so she stayed quiet.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
She didn’t want to ________ at her new job, so she stayed quiet.
Show the answer
Make waves — To disturb an established situation, or to attract attention through a significant or new achievement.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Make waves” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To disturb an established situation, or to attract attention through a significant or new achievement.
Compare: She didn’t want to make waves at her new job, so she stayed quiet.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- Her new approach made waves in the design team and started a useful discussion.
- I don't want to make waves, but the current booking system is unfair.
Check your understanding
If a review says a young writer is making waves, must it mean the writer is causing trouble?
Check your answer
No. It can mean the writer is attracting attention or having a notable impact. Context determines whether the expression is positive or critical.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where make waves fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.