# raise Cain

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/raise-cain
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of raise hell.

## Examples

- The neighbors will raise Cain if you play music that loud.
- When the manager announced the sudden budget cuts, the employees began to raise Cain in the meeting room.
- The local residents threatened to raise Cain at the town hall assembly if the council proceeded with the controversial construction project.

## Origin

The expression references the biblical Cain, son of Adam and Eve, identified as the first murderer. To raise Cain is to theoretically summon him from the dead, thereby facilitating the return of his specific brand of violence to Earth.

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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.