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Region: US | Usage example: Staff raised hell over the sudden cancellation.

Raise hell

Meaning

Create a noisy protest or fuss.

Usage

Used when people loudly object.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Hell symbolized upheaval and commotion.

American slang since the 1900s.

Related Idioms

Come hell or high water

No matter what obstacles appear.

Raise the roof

Make a lot of noise or celebrate loudly.

A cold day in hell

Something extremely unlikely to happen.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.