kick up a fuss
Meaning: To complain loudly and cause a commotion.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The passengers kicked up a fuss when the flight was canceled.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: "Kick up" for stirring something into the air, as hooves kick up dust. The phrase is recorded from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- German: Staub aufwirbeln — literally: to stir up dust
More idioms — Daily Life
- cry at the drop of a hat — To burst into tears very easily.
- been there, done that — Said of an experience one already knows well, often with a shrug.
- not get off the ground — To fail to make any progress at all.
- do nothing by halves — To commit fully to whatever one does.
- shut someone up — To force someone to stop talking.
- a pack of lies — A story that is entirely untrue.
More English idioms
- think outside the box — To find an unconventional solution.
- green with envy — Extremely jealous.
- keep someone on a short leash — To keep someone under close control.
- not for all the tea in China — Under no circumstances.
- rein someone in — To bring someone under control.
- keep one's feet on the ground — To stay realistic and unaffected by success.