# make noise

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-noise
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To scold, condemn, or criticize very harshly.

## Examples

- The boss will make noise if you arrive late again.
- The neighbors started to make noise when we played loud music after midnight.
- The public began to make noise regarding the senator's recent controversial policy decisions.

## Origin

Attested as a semantic loan from the Tamil சத்தம் போடு (cattam pōṭu), a construction translating literally to the production of sound. The expression entered the English lexicon through linguistic contact with the Tamil language.

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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.