# cook up a storm

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cook-up-a-storm
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a big fuss, generate a lot of unnecessary talk or activity; make a scene.

## Examples

- They are cooking up a storm over the new office rules.
- The neighbors are cooking up a storm because the city plans to build a new road nearby.
- The sudden announcement of the budget cuts caused the staff to cook up a storm, leading to a heated debate that lasted throughout the afternoon.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.