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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Make a splash

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To attract sudden attention and become successful or well known.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. The small publisher made a splash with its first illustrated collection.

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.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To attract sudden attention and become successful or well known.
Show the answer

Make a splash — To attract sudden attention and become successful or well known.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Make a splash” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To attract sudden attention and become successful or well known.

Compare: The small publisher made a splash with its first illustrated collection.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it for an impressive debut, launch or achievement that gains notice. It suits conversation and general reporting.

More examples in context

  • Her first exhibition made a splash among local art lovers.
  • The team hopes its unusual design will make a splash at the festival.

Usage note

It describes an attention-getting success, not necessarily lasting success. Context distinguishes the idiom from splashing water.

A short conversation

A: How did the new theatre group’s first show go?
B: It made a splash. People were discussing it all week.
A: I hope their next production does well too.

One more practice question

Which debut makes a splash?

A. A first performance that nobody notices or attends.
B. A first performance that quickly attracts strong public attention and success.

Check your answer

B. The debut gains attention and achieves an immediate impact.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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