raising hell
Noun Phrase: - Making trouble just for the fun of it: The act of causing a disturbance, creating chaos, or behaving in a very noisy, rowdy, or disruptive manner, often for enjoyment or to attract attention, rather than for a serious purpose.
This phrase is used to describe behavior that is intentionally loud, disruptive, or troublesome in a playful or mischievous way. It often implies a lack of malicious intent but a clear desire to create excitement or commotion. - The fans started raising hell when their team scored the winning goal. - The kids weren't being mean; they were just raising hell in the backyard.
- To be raising hell: Used to describe someone who is currently engaged in this disruptive behavior.
- Security was called because a group of patrons was raising hell at the bar.
- To raise hell about/over something: To complain very loudly and angrily about a specific issue. This usage shifts slightly from "for fun" to expressing strong, vocal protest.
- She raised hell with the manager over the poor service.
- Raise Cain (idiom): To behave in a wildly noisy or disruptive manner. It is a direct synonym.
- If we're late, my dad is going to raise Cain.
- Raise the roof (idiom): To make a very loud noise, especially through cheering or celebration.
- The band's performance raised the roof.
- Kick up a fuss: To complain or protest vigorously.
- Make a scene: To draw attention to oneself by causing a public disturbance or display of emotion.
- Run amok: To behave in a wild, frenzied, and uncontrolled manner.
- Hell-raising (noun/adjective): Used to describe a person who habitually engages in such disruptive behavior.
- He had a reputation as a hell-raising rock star.
- Raise hell and put a chunk under it (idiomatic extension): An emphatic version meaning to cause an extreme disturbance.
While the core definition involves causing trouble "for the fun of it," the phrase is also commonly used in contexts of angry protest or complaint ("raising hell about an injustice"). The tone (playful vs. angry) is determined by context.
- making trouble just for the fun of it