kick up dust
The phrase "kick up dust" can be used both literally and figuratively to describe causing a disturbance or raising dust by movement.
Definition
B2General
(literal)To cause particles of dirt to rise into the air by moving quickly over a dry surface.
Example
- The horse's hooves kicked up dust as it galloped down the road.
B2General
(figurative, informal)To create a fuss or disturbance, often over something minor.
Example
- She kicked up dust about the new office seating arrangement.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "kick up dust":
kick updust upbeat the dustdust offchurn upstir upeat someone's dustlick the dustthrow dirtthrow dirt onkick up one's heelsrake upruffle uprough upscuzz upmuddy upcook up a stormhit the dirtgin updevil's dustdrum upgee upkick overblaze upshake uptear it upraise hellrarked upbug upstink upmake wavesscare upwhip upcowboy uptear upkick aroundmuss upkick into the long grassjump upspark upkick itfluff uprumple upbroom upfog upfire up