make a stink
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb phrase: - To complain or protest very loudly and angrily about something; to create a major fuss or disturbance in order to object to something or express strong discontent.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe a strong, often public, reaction to a perceived wrong or injustice. It implies making one's complaint impossible to ignore. - It is typically used in informal contexts. - It often suggests the complaint leads to a scene or significant trouble for others.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The intensity can be modified with adjectives like "big," "huge," or "real."
- She made a real stink at the town council meeting about the new zoning laws.
- The phrase can be used in conditional or hypothetical statements to warn of or suggest a reaction.
- If the results aren't fair, I promise I'll make a stink.
Variants and Related Words
- Kick up a stink: This is a direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- The residents kicked up a stink over the planned construction noise.
- Raise a stink: Another common variant.
- Make a fuss: A similar, though often slightly less intense, phrase meaning to complain or show annoyance openly.
Synonyms
- Complain vigorously
- Protest loudly
- Raise hell (very similar in tone and intensity)
- Kick up a fuss
Related Idioms
- Raise Cain: To make a noisy disturbance or express great anger.
- He raised Cain when he saw the damage to his car.
- Make waves: To cause trouble or disruption, often by challenging the usual way of doing things.
- She's not afraid to make waves if it means improving the system.
Verb
- take strong and forceful action, as to object or express discontent
- She raised hell when she found out that she wold not be hired again