raise a stink
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To complain loudly and forcefully about something; to make a strong, often public, protest or objection in order to draw attention to a problem or injustice.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of reacting to a situation with vigorous and noisy complaint. It implies causing a disturbance or creating a fuss to ensure one's dissatisfaction is heard and addressed. It is often used in informal contexts.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- To raise a stink over/about something: This is the standard construction, specifying the cause of the complaint.
- He raised a stink over the new policy changes.
- The phrase often carries a connotation of the complaint being somewhat disruptive or embarrassing for the responsible party.
Variants and Related Words
- Make a stink: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- They threatened to make a stink in the local newspaper.
- Kick up a stink: Another common variant, especially in British English.
- Customers kicked up a stink about the price increase.
Synonyms
- Kick up a fuss: To complain or protest noisily.
- Make a scene: To create a loud, public disturbance, often emotionally charged.
- Raise hell: (More forceful/informal) To protest or complain with great anger and intensity.
Related Idioms
- Cause a stir: To create a lot of interest, excitement, or mild controversy, which can sometimes, but not always, involve complaint.
- Make waves: To cause trouble or disruption, often by challenging the status quo.
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