IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishset tongues wagging
Meaning: To cause people to gossip.
Example: “Their arriving at the party together set tongues wagging.”
Origin: A "wagging tongue" has meant a chattering, gossiping one since Middle English. When the full phrase first appeared has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Cela va faire du bruit dans Landerneau Literally: That will make noise in Landerneau
More English idioms
- rough around the edges Lacking polish or refinement, though basically good.
- smoke the peace pipe To make peace after a quarrel.
- seize the day Make the most of the present moment.
- bow and scrape To behave in an overly humble or flattering way toward someone powerful.
- give free rein To give someone complete freedom to act.
- jump ship To abandon a group or cause, often for a rival.
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