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

1. 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