Make waves

Meaning

Cause disturbance or draw attention by challenging norms.

Usage

Used for bold moves that disrupt status quo.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Boats create waves when moving through still water.

Used in political and business rhetoric since the 20th century.