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raise Cain

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of raise hell.


Origin

disputed origin

From Cain, the biblical son of Adam and Eve, the first murderer. The expression implies raising him from the dead and thus bringing or returning that evil to Earth.

Examples
SIMPLE

The neighbors will raise Cain if you play music that loud.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager announced the sudden budget cuts, the employees began to raise Cain in the meeting room.

COMPLEX

The local residents threatened to raise Cain at the town hall assembly if the council proceeded with the controversial construction project.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    raise eyebrows

    To cause surprise.

  2. 02

    raise hell

    To cause a considerable disturbance.

  3. 03

    raise one's eyebrows

    Of a person, to be surprised.

  4. 04

    raise one's voice

    To speak loudly, especially in anger.

  5. 05

    raise someone's hackles

    To annoy or anger someone.

  6. 06

    raise someone's shag

    To anger or annoy someone.

  7. 07

    raise someone's spirits

    To make someone feel in a better mood

  8. 08

    raise the bar

    To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.

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