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 aroundcut a rugmuss upkick into the long grassjump upspark upkick itfluff uprumple upbroom upfog upfire up